By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following announcing his addition to the preseason roster in early September, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv released Kobi Simmons on Monday.
Simmons, 27, did not feature in the Quarterfinals nor the Semifinals of Israel’s League Cup. Upon the conclusion of the preseason schedule for the team coached by Oded Kattash, the Yellows opted to skip an option to extend his contract for the 2024-25 season.
It remains unclear whether the reigning champions of Israel will add depth to the backcourt, heading to the 2024-25 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and Israel’s Winner League. Rokas Jokubaitis, Tamir Blatt, and Jordan Loyd are the current headliners with captain John DiBartolomeo the main additional option.
After reaching the Final of the League Cup, setting up a clash against Maccabi Ramat Gan in Holon next Saturday, Maccabi tips off the EuroLeague Regular Season with a meeting versus LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on Thursday.
Since coming out of Arizona in 2017, Simmons played in 42 NBA games between the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies. Last season, he averaged 5.0 points per game in four features with the Raptors.
Earlier overseas experience was with Arged BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski. At the Polish club, he made six appearances in the 2021-22 edition of the Basketball Champions League.
After a brief stint with the Israeli giant, he returns to the free-agent market, considering his options for the next step in his career.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League