Grizzlies Officially Sign Nick Calethes For Upcoming Season

While it has been known for almost a month now that Nick Calethes would finally make the move from Europe to the NBA, the move became official today when the Memphis Grizzlies announced the move today in a press conference.

The Grizzlies acquired the rights to sign Calethes from the Dallas Mavericks earlier the summer and hope he will compete with Tony Wroten for minutes at the back-up point guard position.

He was taken in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, however, he has played in Europe during the past four seasons because the Mavericks never signed him to a contract after drafting him.

According to Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the delay in his signing likely had to do with his FIBA letter of clearance to sign with the Grizzlies.

The 24-year old guard spent last season with Lokomotiv Kuban averaged 12.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists while shooting 52.1% during 17 games in the 2012-13 EuroCup tournament en route to being named MVP of the tournament.

While the official parameters of the deal have yet to be released, the deal was believed to be for two years and in the range of $2 million total. Even if the team signed Calethes to a minimum deal, he would still earn approximately $1.3 million over the next two seasons.

If Calethes can adjust his game to the NBA style and the different level of competition, he has the potential to be a solid addition for the Grizzlies after they missed out on signing Mo Williams or Beno Udrih to strengthen their bench.