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Kobi Simmons makes statement in Opening Day of NBA Summer League

By David Rosen

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 07: Bobby Portis #5 of the Chicago Bulls battle for the ball with Deyonta Davis #21 (L) and Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center on March 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Grizzlies 199-110. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 07: Bobby Portis #5 of the Chicago Bulls battle for the ball with Deyonta Davis #21 (L) and Kobi Simmons #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center on March 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Grizzlies 199-110. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Former Arizona Wildcat and current two-way contract player for the Memphis Grizzlies, Kobi Simmons, helped his team to win on Opening Day in the NBA Summer League.

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Don’t sleep on Simmons! Entering his second year with the Memphis Grizzlies, Kobi Simmons looks to continue to improve upon a very positive rookie year. Simmons will look to take advantage of year two of his two-way contract he will have this year. Year one was a sneak peek of what Simmons can do, and I think year two Simmons will have a breakout year!

In his rookie season, he played in 32 games for the Grizzlies and 26 games for the G-League Memphis Hustle. As a two-way contract player, he is guaranteed to spend up to 45 days in the NBA and he took full advantage of that. Simmons averaged 6.1 points per game, 2.1 assists per game, 1.6 rebounds per game. When he got called up, he averaged 20 minutes of playing time and shot 42.3% from the field.

For the Memphis Hustle, he averaged 15.1 points per game, 4 assists per game and 2.7 rebounds per game. Simmons also averaged 30.9 minutes per game and shot 43.6% from the field. Consistent stats in the G League and NBA demonstrated he has the goods no matter the level of competition.

Opening day of the 2018 NBA Summer League, Simmons didn’t waste any time making a statement to the Grizzlies organization. At halftime against Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons led all scorers with 21 points!

The Grizzlies mainly played him at the shooting guard position for most of the game, even though at times it looked like he was running the point. Similar to the like of other Wildcats in Deandre Ayton and Rawle Alkins, Simmons is a two-way player. Having the versatility and confidence to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for his team.

Simmons has been putting in a lot of work in the gym since the season ended and it has paid off. He finished the game with 21 points, 8-13 from the field, 2-3 from three-point range, three assists and two steals in 27 minutes of play. Jaren Jackson Jr, 4th overall pick of the NBA Draft, led the Grizzlies with 29 points.

Check out the well balanced three-point shot Simmons splashed down late in the first half. All about that follow through!

Besides what he’s accomplishing on the court, off the court Simmons is giving back to the community.  From August 4th- August 5th he is having his first annual youth basketball camp in Alpharetta, Georgia for ages 6-18. For more information or if you know anyone that is interested, click HERE.

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At Zona Zealots, we would like to congratulate Kobi Simmons on helping his team to secure their first NBA Summer League victory. We hope for many more wins for the Grizzlies this summer and many more successful outings for Kobi.

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