The Memphis Grizzlies have thrown a lifeline to center Christian Koloko, signing the 25-year-old to a 10-day contract using an NBA hardship exception. The team announced the deal today, though specific financial terms remain undisclosed as per club policy.
A Second Chance After Medical Setback
This move represents a crucial opportunity for Koloko to revive his NBA career. He missed the entire 2023-24 season due to serious respiratory and blood clot issues. Originally drafted 33rd overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2022, he was waived by the Raptors to focus on his recovery before briefly joining the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this season.
Koloko has appeared in 97 NBA games across three seasons with the Raptors and Lakers, starting 19 of them. In limited minutes averaging 11.9 per game, he has put up 2.8 points and 2.7 rebounds. His defensive impact is notable, with a career average of 2.3 blocks per 36 minutes; he ranked ninth among eligible players in this category during the 2022-23 season.
Why Memphis Made the Move
The Grizzlies were granted the hardship exception by the NBA, a rule that allows a team to temporarily expand its roster when four or more players are unavailable. Memphis is currently grappling with injuries to several key players, including rookie big man Zach Edey.
This has created a significant need for size and rim protection in their frontcourt. Koloko fits the bill as a low-risk, defensive-minded center who can block shots, rebound, and provide reliable drop coverage. At 7 feet tall and 230 pounds, he offers the interior presence the team currently lacks behind its main rotation.
The 10-day deal allows Memphis to evaluate Koloko immediately during a busy part of their schedule. If he performs well, the team can sign him to a second 10-day contract or even convert the deal to a rest-of-season contract once the hardship conditions are no longer in effect.
Koloko's Path Back Through the G League
After being waived by the Lakers on November 25, following two appearances this season, Koloko didn't disappear from the basketball landscape. His rights were acquired by the Austin Spurs, the G League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. This allowed him to play in the G League Showcase, keeping him visible to NBA scouts.
In 28 G League games (26 starts) for Austin, the South Bay Lakers, and Raptors 905, Koloko showcased his potential. He averaged 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and an impressive 3.0 blocks in 27.7 minutes per game. This consistent production and defensive prowess ultimately caught the eye of the Grizzlies' front office.
What Koloko Brings to the Table
Offensively, the Grizzlies do not need Koloko to be a primary scorer. His role will be to set solid screens, roll to the basket, secure offensive rebounds, and finish plays around the rim. His career effective field goal percentage stands at 52.1%.
For a team like Memphis, which has historically found value in overlooked big men, Koloko represents a perfect developmental upside player. At just 25, he is not merely a veteran end-of-bench filler but a prospect who can grow with the team. This deal is a win-win: it gives Koloko a vital platform to prove he belongs in the league and gives the Grizzlies a risk-free look at a player who addresses a genuine roster need.
