Injury woes have plagued the 76ers, opening up the opportunity for Quinten Grimes to shine.

While it’s difficult to deny it’s been a tough season in the City of Brotherly Love, these final 14 games still have value. The Sixers need to see who can be a factor to contribute around their star-studded core next season. And Quentin Grimes is certainly giving a loud audition to be a part of that mix.

Grimes had himself a night Monday in his hometown of Houston, becoming the first player in 76ers history with 45 points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ 3s in a game. He finished with 46 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals. It was a career-best performance from a player who has been shining bright for the past month-plus.

Grimes was acquired from the Mavericks on Feb. 4 and really locked in a spot in the rotation just before the All-Star break on Feb. 12. He had started 13 games going into Monday and averaged 21.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while shooting 51.5% from the floor in that sample. That span also showcased a 44-point game and five other games with at least 25 points since joining the rotation.

For a 24-year-old in his fourth season, Grimes is well-traveled. He was drafted by the Clippers and then traded that night to the Knicks, where he stayed until the deadline last year when he was sent to the Pistons. He was on the move again this summer as the return piece to Dallas for Tim Hardaway Jr. That’s a lot of new homes in a four-year span.

Even if it’s been a circuitous route to get to this point, Grimes got to show Monday night that he’s worth a longer look as a rotation piece not just for the rest of this season, but beyond. Philadelphia’s offseason will be a fascinating one to watch unfold. There will be a lot of moving parts. However, if Grimes can continue to play at this level as a starter, he could be part of the Sixers’ long-term outlook.