NBA Notes: Sixers, Quentin Grimes, Celtics, Nets, Cam Thomas

Quentin Grimes, who has been traded three times since February 2024, continues to demonstrate resilience on the court, refusing to let the frequent moves affect his performance, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports. Now with the 76ers, Grimes has found his footing, averaging 16.8 points per game over his first 12 contests with the team.

“It’s tough. As soon as you get comfortable, you get traded,” Grimes remarked. “But you gotta keep a level head. You got to go out there and produce.”

While Grimes had solid performances in both New York and Dallas, his current role with the 76ers allows him more responsibility, including initiating offense, a shift from his previous role as a spot-up shooter.

“He’s been able to still kind of find his way, even with the extra pressure, extra bodies,” said Sixers coach Nick Nurse. “He’s doing a good job of just getting into his shots and getting to places that he wants to go and getting the shots off. Obviously, he’s on a bit of a hot streak.”

Grimes was reportedly surprised by his trade from Dallas, where he had been productive, averaging 10.2 points and shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc in 47 games (12 starts). However, he remains optimistic about his new opportunity.

“It’s crazy what’s going on, so it’s a blessing in disguise that I got moved,” Grimes said. “But I feel for them for sure. We had a tight-knit group over there this season. We had a good chance of winning it all. But that’s the NBA and dudes get moved all the time.”

• In other Atlantic Division news, the Celtics defeated the Sixers on Thursday by nearly 20 points, despite missing five key rotation players. With Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Sam Hauser sidelined, Boston’s bench stepped up. Baylor Scheierman led the way with a career-high 15 points, while Torrey Craig added 12 and Jordan Walsh contributed in several areas. Neemias Queta and Drew Peterson also received starting nods, with Queta recording eight points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
• Meanwhile, Nets guard Cam Thomas is eager to finish the season strong following injury setbacks that have interrupted what had been a promising campaign, as reported by Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Thomas is set to enter restricted free agency at season’s end but remains focused on closing out the year. “I just want to finish strong just to finish strong,” Thomas said. “I’m not really worried about [my] contract year or anything. I think all of that will take care of itself.”
• Finally, Nets forward Tyrese Martin continues to prove his worth as a reliable bench asset, averaging 12.0 points over his last six games, including a 23-point performance against Detroit on March 1. Martin, who was recently converted from a two-way contract to a standard deal, has shown growth in various aspects of his game. Coach Jordi Fernández praised his consistency and defensive ability, noting, “He’s doing it consistently and that’s why he deserves all these good things that are coming to him.”