Quentin Grimes was one of the rookies and sophomores chosen for the Jordan Rising Stars event during All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, but he did not come out on top.
The second-year guard represented the Knicks admirably by shooting 10-for-14 from the field, including six 3-pointers, for 27 of his team’s 60 total points in the two games.
In the four-team version, Grimes was a member of “Team Joakim,” which was named after and coached by former Knicks center Joakim Noah. Team Joakim defeated the G-League squad coached by Jason Terry in the opening round before losing in the championship round to Pau Gasol’s club, captained by MVP Jose Alvarado of the Pelicans and Christ the King High School.
Grimes, who hit the game-winning shot for his club in the first round of the playoffs, stated earlier this week, “It was one of the goals I had set for myself coming into the season, so I can now scratch it off the list and check it off.” It’s been satisfying to reach this milestone.
Grimes’ Rockets teammates were Andre Eason and Jabari Smith Jr., Thunder teammates Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams, Cavs teammate Evan Mobley, and Spurs player Jeremy Sochan.
Grimes stated that he is excited to watch Jericho Sims compete in the Slam Dunk event on Saturday. Earlier this month, Grimes posted a video to Instagram displaying a Sims jumping with his head above the rim.
Grimes stated on Friday, “I’ve seen a couple of the dunks he’s going to do, so I think y’all will be pretty surprised by what he does [Saturday] night.” “I believe he can win because he’s tall, he’s around 6 feet 10 inches tall, but he jumps out here. I believe he has a 50-inch vertical, so… I believe that what you will witness on Saturday will be quite spectacular.
“He has about two dunks that will undoubtedly get people out of their seats.”
Julius Randle was a late replacement for Portland player Anfernee Simons in the 3-point contest on Saturday, making him the first Knick to compete since Steve Novak in 2013.
Randle’s 33.8 percent 3-point shooting percentage is the lowest of all NBA players, although he is tied for 22nd in 3-pointers made per game with 2.7.
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers), Tyler Herro (Heat), Buddy Hield (Pacers), Kevin Huerter (Kings), Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers), Lauri Markkanen (Jazz), and Jayson Tatum will also compete (Celtics).
Friday saw the announcement of this year’s 12 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalists, with former MVP and 14-time All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki, 13-time All-Star guard Dwyane Wade, and five-time championship Spurs coach Gregg Popovich leading the pack.
Six-time All-Star center Pau Gasol, four-time NBA championship point guard Tony Parker, former Purdue coach Gene Keady, Division III college coach David Hixon, JUCO coach Gene Bess, WNBA stars Becky Hammon and Jennifer Azzi, and longtime women’s college coaches Gary Clair and Marian Washington are the other finalists.
In addition, Mark Spears (print) and Holly Rowe (electronic) were recognized with Curt Gowdy media honors.
»Knicks’ Quentin Grimes lights up Rising Stars contest«
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