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Three Reasons the Memphis Grizzlies Ended the Kobi Simmons Project

By Christian Dudley

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 30: Kobi Simmons
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 30: Kobi Simmons /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 14: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies high fives his teammates during the game against the Utah Jazz during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 14, 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 14: Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies high fives his teammates during the game against the Utah Jazz during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 14, 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) /

Being Outshined in Summer League Play

Though Kobi Simmons played well in the Memphis Grizzlies’ summer league games, so did a few other members of the squad. Being as Simmons had one year of NBA regular season experience underneath his belt, it was expected of him to perform at a higher level. As previously mentioned, Memphis was hoping to see him be more of a facilitating point guard, but his mentality is to take it upon himself more times than not.

The primary prospect on the Grizzlies’ summer league roster(s) was of course Jaren Jackson Jr. The secondary focus was placed upon the team’s backcourt as a collective group. Simmons was far from being the only candidate worthy of attention. Wayne Selden stole the show a couple times. Then there was Markel Crawford, who recently landed a training camp invitation from the Memphis Grizzlies. You cannot forget 2018’s 32nd overall pick — Jevon Carter. Plus, a hard-nosed Brandon Goodwin that played well on both ends of the floor.

As Michael Wallace of Grind City Media mentioned on Tuesday, the Front Office has been pondering a way to bring a different face onto a two-way contract. Unfortunately for Kobi Simmons, he was dealt the short end of the stick.

This summer, Memphis put together exceptional rosters for the Utah and Vegas Summer Leagues. Just like the team’s regular season roster, their backcourt was crowded. Guys had to make the absolute most of their minutes. You cannot say that Simmons or any of these other aforementioned guys slouched or played terribly. All of these guys played well enough to deserve a training camp invite, but there are only a certain number of available spots. On top of it all, a guy with local flavor — D.J. Stephens — could very well be the prime target for a handful of reasons. He nearly made the final roster two years ago.

The release of Kobi Simmons truly begins with our top-two reasons, which transitions into this third reason. This roster’s backcourt was cluttered. The third point guard spot came down to Simmons and Shelvin Mack. Mack’s line of experience placed him ahead of Kobi on Tuesday.

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Yes, Kobi Simmons was still encompassing a two-way contract, but he has too much talent to be stashed in the G-League for the entire season. If anything, this move is a way for the Memphis Grizzlies to allow Kobi to find a new team offering a better role. It is no longer a question of if he belongs in the NBA. It is a matter of “where?” Being released today may equal a greater tomorrow for the University of Arizona product.

Go Grizz! 

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