The Toronto Raptors season is like a song that never ends.
On the court, there have been franchise-record losses at home and a long list of injuries. Off it, we’ve seen a lawsuit against the team and a gambling investigation into one of its players. But beyond the unfortunate setbacks, there have been some positive storylines. A silver lining to the team’s injury woes has been the opportunities provided for players like guard Kobi Simmons.
On Monday, Simmons signed a 10-day contract with Raptors after spending time with Raptors 905 in the NBA G League, where he built up a reputation for his playmaking and leadership. He scored in double figures in 19-of-23 games and poured in 20-plus points in six of those games, including a career-high 36 on Mar. 11.
Then, he got the call — and opportunity — he’d been working so hard for.
“I was in my house actually reading and my agent called me,” Simmons told Sportsnet about the moment he found out about his contract. “Then after that, the calls were rolling in.”
Simmons has been trying to work his way back to the NBA ever since he was waived by the Hornets in the summer of 2023. The Atlanta, Georgia native went undrafted in 2017 but signed with the Grizzlies shortly after and would go on to play 38 games in the league between Memphis, Cleveland and Charlotte.
When the 26-year-old stepped onto the court for the Raptors on Monday in the second quarter of the team’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets, it marked 351 days since he last played in an NBA game. He finished with seven points, two rebounds and two steals in 17 minutes.
“Man, it was so big for me. I think the last time I got meaningful minutes in an NBA game like that I was probably like 20 or 21. It was good being out there competing and giving everything I got,” Simmons said.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic recognizes the challenges a player faces by joining a team this late in the season, but liked what he saw from Simmons in his debut.
“Joining a team after 71 games isn’t easy,” Rajakovic said. “Overall, I thought he did well. I liked his initiative to pick up full court and to play some aggressive defence and I thought in half court he had some really good drives.”
On Wednesday night, Simmons was back on the court in Toronto’s 145-101 loss to the New York Knicks. He finished with two points and six assists in 24 minutes.
“I’m going to take full advantage of this contract, kind of just showing (the team) I belong,” Simmons added. “Play hard with energy, effort (and) good things will come out of that. Just every night stepping out and bringing that dog mentality and playing hard.”
The Raptors' injury list continues to grow with Ochai Agbaji leaving Wednesday's game after a hard fall on the court. It is not known how long he will be out, but that just opens up more potential opportunities for Simmons, who has impressed his new teammates.
“He fits in with us perfectly,” Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. said. “His game compliments our team, he is a combo point guard and can shoot the three.
“He is a great player, a seasoned player that has been around and playing the game for a long time so he can help us a lot. He has been doing tremendously so far, learning on the fly and being a pro.”
Toronto’s next game is on Sunday when they host the Philadelphia 76ers.
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