The Memphis Grizzlies have moved to retain center Christian Koloko for a longer period, securing his services with a second 10-day contract. This decision was made possible after the NBA granted the franchise an additional hardship exception, a mechanism designed for teams dealing with multiple player injuries.
Koloko's Impact in Memphis
According to a report from ESPN's renowned insider Shams Charania, the Grizzlies are officially bringing back the Cameroonian big man. Koloko initially joined the team on December 22 under a similar hardship agreement. During his first ten-day stint, the 6-foot-11 center appeared in five games for Memphis.
He made a tangible, albeit subtle, impact on the court. Koloko averaged 18.6 minutes, 2.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in that stretch. His defensive presence was notable, as he accumulated a total of six blocks and six steals while grabbing 19 rebounds. Perhaps most telling is the team's performance with him on the floor: Memphis posted an impressive net rating of +15.2 during his 93 minutes of action.
A Career Forged Through Adversity
Christian Koloko's journey to this point has been challenging. Selected 33rd overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2022 NBA Draft, he played 58 games in his rookie season. However, a serious health issue sidelined his career. In January 2024, Charania reported that Koloko was dealing with a blood clot issue, which led to his referral to the league's fitness-to-play panel and prevented him from practicing or playing.
He began the 2024-25 season on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, appearing in 37 games and averaging 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting an efficient 60.6% from the field. His availability now provides crucial depth for a Grizzlies squad that has struggled with injuries and holds a 13-16 record early in the 2025-26 season.
What Comes Next for Koloko and the Grizzlies?
The clock is now ticking on this new agreement. NBA rules stipulate that a player cannot sign three 10-day contracts with the same team in one season. Therefore, when this second contract expires, the Memphis front office will face a decisive moment. Their options will be limited to either offering Koloko a standard contract for the remainder of the season or parting ways with him.
This move underscores the Grizzlies' urgent need for reliable frontcourt players as they navigate a difficult campaign. Koloko's performance over these next ten days will likely determine his long-term future with the franchise, as he looks to solidify his place in the NBA after a significant health setback.
