The Toronto Raptors have enlisted the services of a seasoned G League player as they gear up for the final stretch of the season. As reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the team has inked a 10-day deal with point guard Kobi Simmons. Simmons, who has been playing with the Raptors 905, the team’s G League affiliate, this season, boasts averages of 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Simmons has seen action in 38 NBA games across three teams – the Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Charlotte Hornets – with average stats of 5.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
The Toronto Raptors are signing guard Kobi Simmons to a 10-day contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The three-year NBA vet has averaged 15.1 points, 5.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds for the Raptors 905 this season in the G League.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 24, 2024
Before acquiring Simmons, the Raptors had recently signed Jahmi’us Ramsey to consecutive 10-day contracts, the second of which expired today. With Simmons joining the roster, it signals the team’s shift away from Ramsey after his seven-game stint.
With the Raptors out of playoff contention at 23-48 for the season, it presents an opportune moment for the team to evaluate its players for potential roles in the upcoming seasons. The current absence of starting point guard Immanuel Quickley due to personal reasons since March 17, along with rookie D.J. Carton sidelined since March 5 with an ankle injury, underscores the need for depth in the backcourt, a void that Simmons aims to fill.
Welcome To The Toronto Raptors Kobi Simmons. https://t.co/13NIqRdoTs pic.twitter.com/cKnKfK7R8U
— MVP4 (@UTD_m4) March 24, 2024
Despite his limited NBA experience, Simmons exhibits glimpses of promise in his career. Standing at 6’5”, he possesses favorable size for his position, coupled with athleticism and defensive prowess. Moreover, his offensive versatility, marked by his ability to score from various spots on the court and his adept shotmaking skills, sets him apart. Given consistent opportunities, Simmons could emerge as a valuable rotation player in the league.
Simmons’ addition to the Raptors roster is intriguing, considering his age of 27 and his extensive tenure in the G League. Nonetheless, his strong showing with Raptors 905 warrants a chance to showcase his abilities at the NBA level. The extent of Simmons’ playing time on his 10-day contract remains uncertain, especially with Quickley’s return timeline uncertain. Nevertheless, there’s a possibility that Simmons could find a permanent role with the team for the remainder of the season, which spans 22 more days. It will be compelling to observe Simmons’ impact on the Raptors during his tenure with the team.