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Kobi Simmons Full-Time with Memphis Grizzlies?

By Brendan Smart

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 5: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies receives treatment after practice on July 5, 2018 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 5: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies receives treatment after practice on July 5, 2018 at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Kobi Simmons #2 of Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Sacramento Kings during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Kobi Simmons #2 of Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against the Sacramento Kings during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Chris Kern: I think the answer is an easy “yes” if we include a two-way contract in this question. Kobi Simmons has played very well during the past week or so, and seems to be a much-improved player. His ability to score the ball is enough to earn him a roster spot. He has the ability to play both guard spots, which is key for him since we have so many other point guards on this Memphis Grizzlies roster.

With Mike Conley, Andrew Harrison, and Jevon Carter as other available point guards, Simmons’ ability to play the shooting guard spot could be what gets him onto the roster. There is a handful of guys competing for the starting spot at that position, so Kobi could sneak onto the roster in a backup role.

A lot of it also depends on what the Memphis Grizzlies decide to do with other young players on their roster. Deyonta Davis is a guy who has not impressed much over the past couple of years and could end up getting cut. The Grizzlies could also potentially look to trade some guys such as Ben McLemore or JaMychal Green, which would open up a roster spot as well. 

It all depends on the other moves that the Grizzlies make, but they know that Kobi Simmons has earned a roster spot. They will do whatever it takes to ensure that Simmons is at least on a two-way contract with the team next season.

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