Mavericks made the 'steal of the offseason' that no one is talking about
By Noah Weber
The Dallas Mavericks' first preseason game is less than two weeks away, and the dragging NBA offseason is finally almost over. Once media day hits next Monday, the excitement will be through the roof among Mavs fans as the team constructed one of the best rosters in franchise history.
Dallas kept most of the core that took them to the NBA Finals together, and they are poised to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference alongside the likes of teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Dallas' offseason additions are what should help put this team over the top in the Western Conference with Klay Thompson being the marquee signing. Thompson can't wait to get to work in Dallas, but there are also a couple of more under-the-radar signings that are going to pay dividends down the stretch.
Dallas signed Naji Marshall to be Derrick Jones Jr.'s replacement as he signed with the LA Clippers on the opening day of free agency, but a trade they made a few days before has the potential to be just as impactful.
Quentin Grimes will emerge as the 'steal of the offseason'
The Mavs traded Tim Hardaway Jr. for Quentin Grimes a couple of weeks after the conclusion of the NBA Finals, and Grimes is poised to be a huge difference-maker for Dallas right off the bat.
NBA writer John Truske recently analyzed Grimes' move to the Mavs, and he believes that Grimes could end up being "the steal of the offseason."
Truske discussed all aspects of Grimes' game, including his shooting, driving, passing, and defense, and he is going to be an outstanding fit in Dallas.
Off the bat, the first thing that you'll notice about Grimes' game is his defense. His entire career, Grimes has taken pride in guarding some of the best players in the league, and he has done that effectively and just as much as anyone. Grimes knows his role, and he will be an absolute pest on defense when guarding opposing ball handlers. He has the quickness to stay with shifty point guards and the strength and length to hold his own against strong guards.
Off the ball, Grimes has great instincts and brings A+ effort. He never gives up on a play, and his energy will be coveted off the bench.
Offensively, Grimes is much more versatile than people give him credit for, and his playstyle should be a great fit into Dallas' offense. When thinking of what you want from a 3-and-D guard, Grimes brings all of it.
Good 3-point shooting off the catch or off the dribble, an ability to attack closeouts, good finishing, and good passing are all qualities that Grimes possesses, and his 3-point shooting is what should make a big impact right away considering how the Mavs play.
Grimes has a quick release and high release point, and him getting open looks off the catch shouldn't be a problem when he is sharing the floor with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He is also a decent movement shooter, and his confidence to let it fly off the dribble and create his own shot is intriguing.
When defenders closeout on him, Grimes is a good decision maker. He has a good feel for the game and typically makes the right decision of whether to finish at the rim or dump the ball off to a big man in the paint. His quick first step allows him to blow by slower defenders, and once he is in a two-on-one scenario, the defense better watch out.
Grimes is in a great spot to cement himself as the "steal of the offseason" in Dallas, and seemingly no one is talking about what he can bring to the Mavs. Dallas got him for virtually nothing, and their scheme should complement Grimes' strengths.
Grimes still has plenty of offensive versatility that he wasn't able to display with the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons, and Mavs fans will quickly find out that Grimes has the potential to be a key role player next season.