Mr.Bottomtooth
07-30-2006, 02:40 PM
Grizzlies, Atkins nearing agreement
Guard knows system, adds depth to backcourt
By Ronald Tillery
Contact
July 30, 2006
The Grizzlies have negotiated with point guard Chucky Atkins over the past few days and the free-agent could re-sign with the team as soon as today.
Atkins will likely agree to a two-year deal. The Grizzlies' payroll is more than the NBA salary-cap so they are expected to use part of the mid-level exception to retain Atkins' services.
It is a move apparently designed to maintain continuity in the backcourt and satisfy coach Mike Fratello's desire to add another veteran ball-handler.
Atkins originally joined the Griz in January after his release from the Washington Wizards. He provided the team with better-than-adequate help once knee surgery ended guard Damon Stoudamire's season. Atkins eventually became the starter ahead of Bobby Jackson, who earlier this month signed a free-agent contract with the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.
Atkins was the Grizzlies' third-leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 9.8 points in four first-round games against the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 11.4 points and three assists in 43 games (39 starts) during the regular season.
Atkins repeatedly said that he wanted to remain in Memphis.
"Of the teams that wanted me, I felt this was best the situation for me," Atkins said in January. "It was more conducive to the style of basketball that I play. Plus, they're one of the top teams in the West, and I know you can't win without good chemistry and without having good players."
The Griz owned a 25-18 record with Atkins in uniform following his Jan. 24 debut.
Atkins gives the Griz an experienced presence capable of shooting from 3-point range. He will enter training camp as Stoudamire's backup and someone to help mentor No. 24 draft pick, Kyle Lowry.
Essentially, the Griz are counting on Stoudamire to start, Atkins to replace Jackson as the primary backup and Lowry to replace native son, Antonio Burks, as the third option.
Any concerns about Stoudamire's condition were laid to rest last week when he worked out for Griz brass. Insiders report that Stoudamire appeared quick and confident.
He performed well in drills designed to test agility and strength. Stoudamire also showed he can still explode toward the basket as well as cut and sprint without discomfort, according to a workout witness.
"We were very encouraged by the positive workout that Damon had for our coaches and staff," Griz president Jerry West said in a statement. "We are optimistic that he will play basketball at a very high standard again. This is a great statement to his determination and hard work in getting back from this injury in such a short period of time."
Tip-in: Second-year forward Lawrence Roberts will see his $664,209 salary guaranteed for the 2006-07 season if he is not waived by Tuesday. Guard Anthony Roberson was due to receive the same salary if the Griz didn't release him by Aug. 1, but he was let go last week.
Guard knows system, adds depth to backcourt
By Ronald Tillery
Contact
July 30, 2006
The Grizzlies have negotiated with point guard Chucky Atkins over the past few days and the free-agent could re-sign with the team as soon as today.
Atkins will likely agree to a two-year deal. The Grizzlies' payroll is more than the NBA salary-cap so they are expected to use part of the mid-level exception to retain Atkins' services.
It is a move apparently designed to maintain continuity in the backcourt and satisfy coach Mike Fratello's desire to add another veteran ball-handler.
Atkins originally joined the Griz in January after his release from the Washington Wizards. He provided the team with better-than-adequate help once knee surgery ended guard Damon Stoudamire's season. Atkins eventually became the starter ahead of Bobby Jackson, who earlier this month signed a free-agent contract with the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.
Atkins was the Grizzlies' third-leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 9.8 points in four first-round games against the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 11.4 points and three assists in 43 games (39 starts) during the regular season.
Atkins repeatedly said that he wanted to remain in Memphis.
"Of the teams that wanted me, I felt this was best the situation for me," Atkins said in January. "It was more conducive to the style of basketball that I play. Plus, they're one of the top teams in the West, and I know you can't win without good chemistry and without having good players."
The Griz owned a 25-18 record with Atkins in uniform following his Jan. 24 debut.
Atkins gives the Griz an experienced presence capable of shooting from 3-point range. He will enter training camp as Stoudamire's backup and someone to help mentor No. 24 draft pick, Kyle Lowry.
Essentially, the Griz are counting on Stoudamire to start, Atkins to replace Jackson as the primary backup and Lowry to replace native son, Antonio Burks, as the third option.
Any concerns about Stoudamire's condition were laid to rest last week when he worked out for Griz brass. Insiders report that Stoudamire appeared quick and confident.
He performed well in drills designed to test agility and strength. Stoudamire also showed he can still explode toward the basket as well as cut and sprint without discomfort, according to a workout witness.
"We were very encouraged by the positive workout that Damon had for our coaches and staff," Griz president Jerry West said in a statement. "We are optimistic that he will play basketball at a very high standard again. This is a great statement to his determination and hard work in getting back from this injury in such a short period of time."
Tip-in: Second-year forward Lawrence Roberts will see his $664,209 salary guaranteed for the 2006-07 season if he is not waived by Tuesday. Guard Anthony Roberson was due to receive the same salary if the Griz didn't release him by Aug. 1, but he was let go last week.