Exclusive: Mavericks' Quentin Grimes Details Growth as Shot Creator, Playmaker, and Defensive Leader

Quentin Grimes has become an essential piece for the Dallas Mavericks this season, embracing an expanded role with his new team. Whether he’s making a complementary impact next to Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving or stepping up in their absence, Grimes has become an integral element of the Mavericks’ success.

Grimes has steadily increased his production since being traded to the Mavericks during the offseason and getting acclimated to the team. Since Nov. 27, he has averaged 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 20 games. His performances have shown a growing comfort with his responsibilities and a commitment to excelling on both ends of the court.

In an exclusive interview with DallasHoopsJournal.com, Grimes discussed his continued growth and the factors contributing to his success this season.

Developing Off-the-Dribble and Pick-and-Roll Consistency

Grimes has emerged as one of the NBA’s most efficient off-the-dribble shooters, showcasing a key improvement in his offensive arsenal. Whether taking a step-back three or getting into short-range before using a turnaround jumper, Grimes has shown impressive growth as a shot-creator this season. He’s producing 1.173 points per possession on off-the-dribble jump shots, ranking fifth in the league among 99 players with 75 or more attempts.

“It’s kind of a big part of my game I wanted to work on and just get more comfortable off the dribble,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I know I’m going to have a bigger opportunity to show that coming here. I feel like [Jason Kidd] and the coaches have put me in a good position to go out there and just play my game. Whether it’s coming out shooting the ball or making plays for my teammates, I just try to make the right play.”

Grimes has grown as a playmaker, using his vision and awareness to create opportunities for teammates. His ability to read defenses and find open shooters complements his scoring while building chemistry with Klay Thompson, Irving, and Dončić has sharpened his understanding of their tendencies and positioning.

“From the start of the season until now, I’ve been really learning where guys are, especially shooters like Klay, Kyrie, and Luka,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “It makes it easier for me to play my game, drive, collapse the defense, and kick it out. I just try to make the right play.”

Grimes noted significant progress in pick-and-roll actions, where he’s made an impact as both a scorer and a facilitator. He’s consistently made effective passes to the big while scanning opportunities to make the spray-out pass to an open shooter. His growing ability to make

“I feel like I’ve gotten better in pick-and-roll situations,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Whether it’s pulling up for a three, going all the way to the basket, or making the right pass—like a drop-off or lob—I feel like I’ve improved a lot there.”

Defensive Contributions

Grimes’ defense has become a cornerstone of his game, with his relentless intensity setting the tone for the Mavericks. Using practices to guard Dončić and Irving—two of the most poised against pressure and creative players in basketball—in practice has helped him grow even more at learning how to make it difficult on the ball handler.

“Nobody really likes pressure, so I just try to simulate that and make it hard for them,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Practicing with guys like Luka and Kyrie has helped me learn to apply ball pressure and make things as difficult as possible for offensive players.”

Grimes has embraced a leadership role for the Mavericks, especially during injury-plagued stretches. Renowned for his defensive intensity, he sets the tone by pressuring opponents and disrupting primary ball handlers. Beyond his on-court impact, he’s become a vocal leader, keeping teammates focused and energized in critical moments.

“I’ve gotten better at talking and bringing energy,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Being on a new team, I’ve had to learn the system and all the nuances defensively. I try to keep everyone focused on building good habits, even when things are going well. We want to be in the playoffs and compete for a championship, so I’m trying to help keep us on that path.”

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has praised Grimes’ development and overall impact following his contributions in their 117-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, helping fuel a 16-0 run to complete the late comeback.

“Quentin’s about winning and about his teammates. He’s all about making the right plays,” Kidd told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Offensively, yeah, he hit some big shots, but what really stood out was his defense—picking up Simons, getting that turnover late. That was huge. He’s grown a lot and just keeps finding ways to help us win.”

Support from the Dallas Mavericks Coaching Staff

Grimes credited Mavericks player development coach Keith Veney and assistant coach Josh Broghamer for helping him improve his game. He can count on both for help on the court and in the film room whenever needed.

“Yeah, probably Keith Veney, my player development coach, and Josh [Broghamer] from the coaching staff,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I watch a lot of film with Josh every day, and Keith is always in the gym with me—whether it’s late at night or before and after practice. They’re always helping me see where I can improve, and that’s been huge for me over the course of the season.”

Reflecting on the foundation laid by his former coaches, Grimes highlighted the impact of Kelvin Sampson at the University of Houston and Tom Thibodeau during his early years in the NBA, with the New York Knicks.

“Those coaches were great for me,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “They set a good foundation early in my career, teaching me not to worry about scoring first but to focus on impacting the game with defense and rebounding. Everyone’s an offensive player in the NBA, so it’s about controlling what you can, and the rest will fall into place. Having those two coaches was a big plus for me.”

Grimes reflected on Sampson’s influence on his emphasis on doing the dirty work, particularly rebounding. After learning about a recent nine-rebound performance by Grimes, Sampson recently joked that he had to show Grimes what rebounding was in the dictionary when he transferred from Kansas.

“When you go to Houston, you don’t realize how important rebounding is until you get there, and he’s cussing you out every day in practice and in games,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I learned pretty quickly. He was on me for sure that first year at U of H.”

Quentin Grimes is Motivated to Grow with the Dallas Mavericks

As the season progresses, Grimes remains focused on consistency and building momentum for the Mavericks. With Dallas eyeing a deep playoff run, he emphasizes the importance of strong habits and thorough preparation, individually and as a team, even when injuries occur.

“For me and the team, it’s about building good habits—on the court, off the court, in the weight room—so we can keep improving and make a strong push later in the season,” Grimes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Hopefully, it all comes together, and we get that big ring.”

With his all-around contributions and commitment to winning, Grimes has solidified his role as a key player for the Mavericks. Dallas contends in the Western Conference that his continued growth will be crucial.