Veteran guard Mario Chalmes out for season, waived by Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies' injury problems keep getting worse.
Backup point guard Mario Chalmers' name was added the list on Thursday when the team announced he ruptured his right Achilles tendon against the Boston Celtics. Chalmers will miss the remainder of the 2015-16 season. The Grizzlies waived the 29-year-old veteran to open up a roster spot.
"Mario did an incredible job for us since coming to Memphis," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said in a statement. "Right from the start, he embraced his change of scenery and endeared himself to his teammates and coaches on the court and the Memphis community off of it."
" ... "He has been an important part of our success this season, both coming off the bench and when called upon as a starter. But with Mario's season-ending injury and our already depleted roster, it became necessary to free up a roster spot."
The Grizzlies traded for the longtime Miami Heat guard back in November to add depth behind starter Mike Conley, and his numbers enjoyed a resurgence in Memphis. Chalmers averaged 10.8 points and 3.8 assists per game with the Grizzlies.
He was already set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Franchise center Marc Gasol is also out for the season after undergoing foot surgery, leaving the franchise shorthanded without Jeff Green and Courtney Lee, both of whom were traded at the deadline, and as Conley, Matt Barnes, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph and Chris Anderson have dealt with myriad injuries.
The Grizzlies are expected to fill their open roster spot with free-agent guard Ray McCallum, according to multiple media outlets. McCallum, 24, has previously played for the Spurs and Kings.
