The Memphis Grizzlies have officially extended a second 10-day contract to center Christian Koloko. This agreement, confirmed by the Grizzlies, will maintain Koloko on the roster until January 11, allowing him to participate in the team’s next six games.
Koloko’s Performance and Contribution
Koloko first joined the Grizzlies on December 22 via a hardship deal. During his initial stint, he played in five games, averaging 18.6 minutes on the court. His contributions included:
- 10 points scored
- 19 rebounds
- 6 steals
- 6 blocks
Notably, he recorded one start against the Philadelphia 76ers. The team’s performance during Koloko’s time on the floor resulted in an impressive +15.2 net rating across 93 minutes.
Understanding the Hardship Exception
The Grizzlies received another hardship exception, allowing them to temporarily replace players sidelined due to injuries. A hardship exception applies when a team has four players unavailable for an extended period. Currently, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., Zach Edey, John Konchar, and Brandon Clarke are all dealing with injuries or illnesses, which is why Koloko has returned to the team.
As Memphis navigates these challenges, Koloko’s second 10-day contract is critical. After it expires, the Grizzlies must decide whether to offer him a full-season contract or release him. Players can secure a maximum of two 10-day contracts with a team, making Koloko’s case particularly interesting.
Contractual Details
During his second 10-day contract, Koloko will earn $136,717. The collective cap hit for the Grizzlies will be $131,970. Notably, he becomes the first player in the current season to receive a second 10-day contract with the team, while others like Charles Bassey and Kobe Bufkin have only signed one.
With the Grizzlies currently facing a host of injuries, Koloko’s role could prove crucial as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in upcoming games.
