Memphis Grizzlies 2017-18 Player Review: Kobi Simmons

Memphis Grizzlies guard Kobi Simmons made the most of his Two-Way Contract and injuries in his rookie season.

Kobi Simmons had an impressive Summer League for the Memphis Grizzlies as an undrafted rookie from Arizona. The Summer League performance led to the Grizzlies signing Kobi to a Two-Way contract, spending time with both the Memphis Hustle and the Grizzlies.

It is quite obvious that Kobi still has a long way to go to be a role player in the NBA. He shot 28% from behind the arc and only had two assists per game. He played in a total of 32 games, starting 12 of them. Two assists per game in 20 minutes as a starting point guard is not going to cut it.

The former McDonald’s All-American also only averaged 8.7 points per game in his lone season at Arizona, leading to question whether he should have stayed in college to improve his game.

Will Kobi Stick?

The opinion on Kobi varies from potential role player to out of the league. I personally believe that Kobi Simmons has a future in the NBA. His athleticism is enticing, his length is overlooked, and his skills are raw. Simmons looks like he is on a pogo stick when he jumps for rebounds and dunks. At 6’5, he will learn to defend point guards and absolutely harass them with his length.

Simmons’ jumpshot is inconsistent but I believe has a shooting form that can lead to future success. Let’s not forget that Kobi is only 20 years old and played for an interim coach on a bad team.  Simmons will continue to mature physically, learn the NBA game, and get more reps, and prove he is the type of back up point guard/off guard player the Grizzlies need in this new small ball era of the NBA.

The Grizzlies will certainly put him on their Summer League team again this offseason, and I would not be surprised to see him back on a Two-Way deal again next season to allow him to continue to develop.  Look for Kobi to continue to grow and improve for the next few seasons in Beale Street Blue.