Memphis Grizzlies: Give Kobi Simmons a contract already!

It’s easy to say that Kobi Simmons has been extremely impressive for the Memphis Grizzlies thus far. Give that man a contract already!

I’m going to be honest here to start. I told myself I wasn’t going to buy into the Kobi Simmons hype too early. Maybe it was because I had blind optimism for first-round pick Wade Baldwin. Mainly, it was because I didn’t want to hype up a two-way player too much.

Let me just say though: Kobi Simmons can ball out!

Simmons just has a natural feel for the game. He’s quick and shifty, always weaseling his way through traffic and doing so majestically. He makes the right plays at the right time, knowing when to shoot and when to pass. His jumper is a work in progress but is certainly improving.

At 6’5″ 166 pounds, he looks more like someone who should be playing on the perimeter in the AAU circuit than a NBA player. However, he has elite athleticism even for a NBA player. He has a 45-inch vertical, which is crazy for anyone, yet alone someone his size.

The Memphis Grizzlies have to get Kobi Simmons on the 15-man roster. Though he’s under contract for next year as a two-way player, the Grizzlies have to make room for him. He’s good enough to contribute right now, even if they’re competing for a playoff spot.

Second-unit sparkplug

Though Andrew Harrison definitely has the upper hand in next year’s backup point guard race, everything about Kobi Simmons screams “sparkplug.”

While Harrison is more deceptive and patient, Simmons is a “speedy Gonzales” type of point guard that can change the pace of your offense. Doesn’t that remind you of some of the league’s best backup point guards? Patty Mills. Ish Smith. JJ Barea.

Simmons can be one of those guys. He’s a quick, smart point guard that makes things happen on the basketball court. When he gets going, it’s exciting to watch.

If he continues to build camaraderie with the other young players right now, they could build an exciting, fast bench squad for next season.

Related Story: Grizzlies may have found their backup point guard

Athleticism and Quickness

I know I slightly touched on his athleticism and quickness before, but Kobi Simmons is a freak athlete for his size.

How many point guards complete this dunk against Aaron Gordon — who’s just as athletic but six inches taller?

A player’s true test to quickness and athleticism is the ability to change speeds. Most good point guards can push the ball in transition and complete a controlled move to the basket. Simmons is already showing that early:

https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/939612024182591488

If Kobi Simmons keeps improving on his drives to the basket, he’ll find a place in this league. However, if he adds a jumper, he’ll have a long career.

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Closing Remarks

Kobi Simmons has been a solid get for the Memphis Grizzlies. Though he’s spent the majority of his time with the Memphis Hustle, they found a nice talent.

He might not be a future All-Start or anything, but finding talent is absolutely crucial when building future depth. Nabbing a guy with Simmons’ athleticism, quickness and feel for the game is huge for this team.

He’s not someone this team might build around, but he’s showing right now that he has the tools to succeed in the NBA for a long time.