The 76ers have had a truly catastrophic year. Injuries flattened the title hopes they had before the season. Joel Embiid played just 19 games before undergoing a season-ending surgery. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George haven’t been able to pick up the slack— they’ve both dealt with injuries and struggled to be efficient when healthy (although more criticism should be directed at George than Maxey). Even Jared McCain, their rookie sensation, suffered a meniscus tear in December.
After sustaining so many hits, Philly has thrown in the towel. From here on out, they’re in tank mode. They’ve been rolling out lineups full of names the average fan has never heard. That doesn’t mean you should stop watching them, though. Hidden gems are emerging with expanded opportunity in Philadelphia, and that’s always worth talking about. Here are three players on their roster worth keeping on your radar.
Quentin Grimes
In 2022-23, Quentin Grimes put together a phenomenal season. He was a starter for a Knicks team that made the playoffs. The then-sophomore averaged 11.3 points and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.6% from deep. He proved to be worthy of a larger role, and was primed for a breakout. Unfortunately, his upward trajectory was completely stunted in 2023-24. Donte DiVincenzo’s ascension, OG Anunoby’s arrival, and a full season of Josh Hart meant Grimes’ minutes and shots came a lot more inconsistently. The young two-guard struggled with the irregularity and was ultimately dished to Detroit at the trade deadline, where he performed even worse.
Things looked rough for a player who was once so promising, but Grimes didn’t give up. He was dealt to Dallas ahead of the 2024-25 season and approached the new opportunity with a chip on his shoulder. Grimes put together some big performances for the Mavs and averaged 10.2 points overall. The 76ers took notice of this and were able to snag him from D-Town in exchange for Caleb Martin in February. That deal has proven to be an absolute fleece for Philly.
Through 17 games for the Sixers, Quentin Grimes is averaging almost 20 points per game. He’s on a nuclear run, realizing all the potential he flashed back in 2023. The Texas native has been incredibly poised operating with the ball in his hands, hitting flurries of pullup jumpers from all over the floor and passing the ball intelligently. On March 1st, he exploded for a career-high 44 points against the Warriors, and he easily could have had 50 if he didn’t shoot 2-8 from the free throw line.
Grimes is set to enter restricted free agency this summer, and Philadelphia should do everything in their power to retain him. The 24-year-old could be a huge piece for them as they look to return to contention in 2025-26, and could also be part of the team’s long-term core. If they let him go, they’ll surely regret it.
Jalen Hood-Schifino
Selected 17th overall by the Lakers in 2023, Jalen Hood-Schifino had some high expectations set for him entering the league. In classic LA fashion, though, he was never given a chance to live up to the hype. The Indiana product averaged just 5.2 minutes per game as a rookie. He so seldomly saw the court that he was pretty much only known in the NBA world as the guy drafted ahead of Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Cam Whitmore. The Lakers almost killed Hood-Schifino’s career before it even began.
However, when Los Angelers waived him earlier this year, the 76ers quickly snapped him up on a two-way contract and were smart to do so. The 6’6” guard has played just three games for the team, but he’s already done some things that show why he was drafted in the first round. Against the Mavericks, Hood-Schifino put up a career-best 19 points. He comfortably played out of pick-and-rolls and knocked down five high-arching triples. The 21-year-old has plenty of upside, he just hasn’t had the proper chance to show it until now. Keep an eye on him.
Jeff Dowtin
Jeff Dowtin has been in the NBA for four years, and he’s still virtually unknown by everyone but sickos. That needs to change. The undrafted guard is a productive player across the board. He uses his stretching wingspan and unorthodox shot form to knock down pullups above defenders, proving that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. His length also allows him to disrupt the game defensively, where he’s always looking for pockets to pick. He makes great reads consistently and turns the ball over about as often as pigs fly. Dowtin has bested his previous career-high of 12 points in five separate games this season, including a 24-point outing versus the Pacers.
The scrappy guard is on a two-way contract for now, but he could earn a standard deal in the offseason. If the 76ers keep him around, he could be a rotation piece for them even when they’re fully healthy.
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