Grizzlies Extend Christian Koloko With Second 10-Day Deal Amid Injury Crunch

The Memphis Grizzlies are again turning to short-term solutions as injuries continue to test the organization’s depth, announcing Friday that they have signed center Christian Koloko to a second 10-day contract.

The deal was completed using the NBA’s injury hardship exception, which allows teams to temporarily exceed the standard roster limit when multiple players are sidelined for extended periods. As is customary, Memphis did not disclose the contract’s financial terms.

Koloko initially joined the Grizzlies on Dec. 22 and quickly became a rotational option in a frontcourt stretched thin by injuries.

The decision to bring him back reflects both the immediate needs of the roster and the team’s interest in evaluating Koloko over a longer stretch before committing to a rest-of-season deal.

1. Evaluating Koloko’s First Memphis Stint

Koloko, a 6-foot-11 center listed at approximately 230 pounds, appeared in five games during his first 10-day contract, including one start. Across those outings, he averaged 18.6 minutes per game and provided modest but steady production: 2.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 1.2 steals, and one assist per contest. While his scoring impact was limited, Koloko shot 45.5 percent from the field and contributed defensively, offering rim protection and activity around the basket. For a team struggling to keep healthy bigs on the floor, his presence stabilized the rotation and reduced the strain on the remaining frontcourt options.

2. Why Memphis Qualifies for a Hardship Exception

The Grizzlies currently meet the NBA’s criteria for using hardship contracts, which are reserved for teams with at least four players expected to miss significant time. Memphis has been without big men Brandon Clarke and rookie Zach Edey, severely limiting the club’s depth at center and power forward. The injuries are not confined to the frontcourt. Guards Scotty Pippen Jr., John Konchar, and Ty Jerome have also been unavailable, pushing the list of sidelined players to at least five through mid-January. Under league rules, the hardship exception allows Memphis to temporarily exceed the 15-man roster limit, giving the team flexibility to field a competitive lineup during this injury-plagued stretch.

3. A Career Shaped by Resilience

Originally selected 33rd overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2022 NBA Draft, Koloko appeared in 58 games as a rookie, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and one block in just under 14 minutes per game. His early momentum stalled in April 2023 when a blood-clot issue sidelined him, eventually leading Toronto to waive him and refer him to the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel. The league barred him from basketball activities until he was medically cleared, a process that lasted into October 2024 and marked one of the most challenging chapters of his career. Since being reinstated, Koloko has worked to reestablish himself, signing a two-way deal with the Lakers, spending time in the G League, and now carving out a role with Memphis as the Grizzlies navigate their injury-heavy season.