Grizzlies sign free agent Atkins

Atkins, in his seventh NBA season, played the first part of 2005-06 with the Washington Wizards, where in 28 games he averaged 6.7 points and 2.5 assists in 19.7 minutes before the club agreed to buy out the remainder of his contract on January 18.

"Chucky is a veteran point guard, and he fills our need for an added leader in the backcourt," Grizzlies president of basketball operations Jerry West said. "He will be a great addition to our team, and we are happy he was available and eager to come to Memphis."

The Grizzlies were in need of a guard following the season-ending knee injury to Damon Stoudamire.

Atkins played for the Los Angeles Lakers last season and started a career-high 82 games, notching career-high averages of 13.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 35.4 minutes.

In 481 NBA games and 252 starts with Orlando, Detroit, Boston, the Lakers and Washington, the 5-foot-11 Atkins has career averages of 10.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists.