Detroit Pistons: three best 3-and-D trade up targets in NBA Draft

Detroit Pistons: Quentin Grimes could be this draft class’ best 3-and-D prospect

Quentin Grimes is quite possibly the best pure three-and-D prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft class. The Houston Cougar specialized in three-point shooting and superb defense during the team’s run in the NCAA Tournament this past season.

The 21-year-old guard shot 40.3 percent from beyond the arc on 8.3 attempts per game last season. His three-point shooting percentage ranked him third in the AAC last season. Grimes ranked first in the AAC, and third in the NCAA, in total three-pointers made with 100.

Unlike Murphy III, Grimes has shown to be more than a catch-and-shoot player from beyond the arc. While Murphy showed little creativity in finding his own shots, the 6-foot-5 guard out of Houston has shown the ability to create his own shot. While he is by no means a great shot-creator, Grimes has shown the aggressiveness and creativity to generate good looks for himself.

Grimes has the aggression to be a nuisance as an off-ball player on the offensive end of the court. The Cougar is able to diagnose opportunities for cuts to the rim, and moving off-ball to get open for layups, dunks, and three-point shots.

However, poor shot selection is a byproduct of Grimes’ aggressive three-point shooting. While the guard has shown the ability to get hot from beyond the arc, he has also shown to occasionally settle for bad shots rather than continue moving the ball. Working as a three-and-D role player in the NBA, rather than a go-to scorer like in college, should help Grimes improve his shot selection.

As a role player, Grimes would be relegated to the role of a catch and shoot wing in the Pistons offense. His off-ball movement would make for a very dynamic player to pair with Cade Cunningham and Jerami Grant.

On the defensive end of the court, Grimes really shines.

The 21-year-old ranked second in the AAC in steals with 42 total. His 2.4 defensive win shares were good enough to rank him first in the AAC, and fifth in the NCAA. Grimes also boasts a 90.1 defensive rating from his junior year.

Of all the prospects in this year’s draft, Grimes could be the league readiest to compete on the defensive end of the court. Grimes was the defensive anchor of a Houston team that ranked sixth in NCAA defensive rating.

Grimes’ aggressive motor will make him a great perimeter defender in the NBA. The 6-5 guard has the quick-twitch athleticism and the length (he has a 6-7 wingspan), necessary to be an irritant to players on the perimeter.

Simply put, Grimes has the size, the aggression, and the hustle to be a great defender in the NBA.

Grimes would fit right in on a Pistons roster looking to become one of the top defenses in the league.

Detroit was ranked 16th in the NBA in defensive rating last season, and coach Casey has said he ants to have a top 10 defense next year.

The addition of Grimes and the further development of their young stars would go a long way to improving that ranking next season.