Eastern Conference SG rankings: Sixers RFA Quentin Grimes, others

With training camp for the 2025-26 season inching ever so closer, now’s the time to continue looking around the league–specifically the Eastern Conference–and rank the players at each position. Sixers Wire will rank each starter at each position in the East starting with the point guard spot.

Currently, rookie VJ Edgecombe leads the Philadelphia 76ers at the position, but when considering the fact that restricted free agent Quentin Grimes is set to return and figures to start, Sixers Wire will include Grimes in these rankings.

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Please note that these starter rankings will be based on HoopsHype’s depth chart for each team in the NBA.

Here is a ranking of the projected starting shooting guard for each team in the East:

15. AJ Green, Milwaukee Bucks

Apr 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) makes a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 42.9% FG, 42.7% 3FG

A 3-point specialist, Green is slated to be the starting 2-guard for the Bucks to keep the floor spaced for Giannis Antetokounmpo to do his thing on the offensive end. The undrafted guard out of Northern Iowa is a sharpshooter who one cannot leave open within this Milwaukee offense.

Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 21.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.1 spg, 40.3% FG, 35.5% 3FG

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Miller is this low on the list due to a lack of efficiency and his defense needing some work. With that being said, he has all the talent in the world. He has the potential to be an elite scorer in this league and if the Hornets can develop him properly, then he is going to blossom. He was limited to only 27 games in the 2024-25 season after undergoing right wrist surgery.

Apr 6, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors shooting guard RJ Barrett (9) shoots a three point jump shot over Brooklyn Nets guard Tyson Eitenne (10) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 21.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.4 apg, 0.8 spg, 46.8% FG, 35% 3FG

Efficiency is still an issue for Barrett, but when he’s healthy and right, then he’s tough to stop. He can put the ball in the basket with some of the best and he can make a difference on the offensive end. Toronto will have a somewhat clunky fit on the offensive end with this current roster, but there is a lot of talent with this group and Barrett will be a part of whatever success the Raptors have.

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12. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers (currently unsigned)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 03: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 03, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 46.7 FG%, 38.5% 3FG

Grimes showed off the skill and playmaking needed to be a three-level scorer in this league after being traded to the Sixers when he averaged 21.9 points per game. Still unsigned at the moment, Philadelphia would like to bring him back and add him to its core of dynamic guards and perimeter scorers heading into the new season.

11. Andrew Wiggins, Miami Heat

Apr 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA;Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the third quarter during game three for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 18.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.0 spg, 44.8% FG, 37.4% 3FG

Wiggins isn’t a 2-guard in the truest sense, but he’ll line up there for the Heat in the coming season–if Miami doesn’t end up trading the No. 1 overall pick from 2014. With that being said, he has a smooth offensive game being able to knock down shot efficiently from the perimeter along with being able to use his size and strength to get to his spots and get into a rhythm rather easily.

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10. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

Mar 11, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) looks to the basket in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 24.0 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 0.6 spg, 43.8% FG, 34.9% 3FG

A scoring dynamo, Thomas is back with the Nets on the qualifying offer after being in restricted free agency limbo throughout the summer. He can score in so many different ways, can go on scoring avalanches in the blink of an eye, and has taken steps forward as a playmaker as well.

Dec 26, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) drives in against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.0 apg, 0.9 spg, 46% FG, 40.9% 3FG

Ivey was on his way to a big breakout season in 2024-25 before suffering a broken left fibula that ended his season after just 30 games. He and Cade Cunningham figure to form a dynamic backcourt–much like the Cleveland Cavaliers–that can score, make plays with their passing, and rebound the basketball at a high level. If Ivey returns and can shoot 40% from deep again, the Pistons will be in great shape.

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8. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) reaches for the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 16.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.7 spg, 45.8% FG, 34% 3FG

Mathurin will move into the starting lineup for Indiana in the coming season with the injury to Tyrese Haliburton and he figures to bring his scoring mentality to a lineup in need of it. Mathurin can use his size and strength to bulldoze his way to the basket, knock down tough shots, and he is a tough defender. The Pacers are going to need him to be consistent, but one has to believe he is going to be helpful this upcoming season.

Jan 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 21.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 3.8 rpg, 0.8 spg, 44.4% FG, 37.3% 3FG

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McCollum is a prime trade candidate at the deadline, but if the Wizards keep him around, he will be a great mentor for the youngsters. Washington can also get some good production out of McCollum as he is still a lock for 20-plus every night. He has averaged at least 20 points every season since the 2015-16 season.

6. Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

Apr 6, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 14.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.4 apg, 3.0 spg, 49.3% FG, 34% 3FG

Daniels, fresh off a Most Improved Player season, will most certainly once again give the Hawks that defensive stopper. He probably should have won Defensive Player of the Year, but finished second to Cleveland’s Evan Mobley. Either way, Daniels is otherworldly on that end of the floor and is a productive offensive player as well.

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5. Coby White, Chicago Bulls

Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) drives to the basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 20.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.5 apg, 0.9 spg, 45.3 FG%. 37% 3FG

After spending a majority of his first five years in the league at point guard, the Bulls moved White to the 2-guard and he produced career numbers. He was efficient with his offense, ruthless in terms of his scoring, and provided a little bit of everything for the Bulls on both ends of the floor. Chicago has to hope this type of production can continue.

May 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guards Derrick White (9) and Jaylen Brown (7) and center Luke Kornet (40) during the second quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 13.6 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 5.9 apg, 1.5 spg, 52.5% FG, 33.3% 3FG

Every team needs a Josh Hart on their roster. The Knicks have enjoyed having him as he has done every little thing they need in order to turn losses into wins and he is a true team player. Hart doesn’t care about his stats. He is just doing whatever is needed from him to get the job done. He could be a better 3-point shooter, but there is no denying his impact on winning in New York.

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3. Derrick White, Boston Celtics

May 14, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the first half during game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 16.4 ppg, 4.8 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 0.9 spg, 44.2% FG, 38.4% 3FG

White makes so many winning plays on the floor for the Celtics. He can knock down open looks from deep like they’re layups, he is efficient in the other areas on the floor, he makes plays for others, and he is a fantastic defender. He does so many good things for Boston that one has to wonder if there will be even much of a fall off in the upcoming season for the Cs.

2. Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic

Oct 26, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.2 spg, 48.4 FG%, 39.2% 3FG

Bane is going to fill a big role for the Magic in the coming season. Orlando has needed a guard who can knock down 3s at a high rate while also being able to put the ball on the floor and finish for quite some time. His fit next to Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero should be seamless and his defense will be a big help as well.

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1. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts during the second half of game five against the Indiana Pacers in the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

2024-25 stats: 24.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.3 spg, 44.3 FG%, 36.8% 3FG

Mitchell takes the top spot for the shooting guards in the East. A proven star in this league, Mitchell is an elite scorer and playmaker, and can go on a hot streak with his 3-point shooting that can put the Cavs over the top. Teaming up once again with Darius Garland in the backcourt, they form one of the best in the league as Cleveland looks to get over the hump in the East.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Eastern Conference SG rankings: Sixers RFA Quentin Grimes, others