Former Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mario Chalmers. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly released Mario Chalmers on Thursday to free up an essential roster spot moving forward as the veteran point guard suffered from a torn Achilles tendon that will need surgery to repair.
Chalmers, who was acquired by the Grizzlies through a trade with the Miami Heat in November of last year, tore his Achilles tendon with 6:57 remaining in the third period during their Wednesday night loss to the Boston Celtics, as reported by ESPN.
The 29-year-old floor general is said to be diagnosed out for the rest of the season because of his injury.
"He has been an important part of our success this season, both coming off the bench and when called upon as a starter," a statement from Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace said. "But with Mario's season-ending injury and our already depleted roster, it became necessary to free up a roster spot."
Memphis had been plagued with injuries at this point in the season starting with their main man Marc Gasol, who had a season-ending surgery to fix a "broken navicular bone in his right foot last month".
Starting floor general Mike Conley is also nursing an injured right foot while the third member of the Grizzlies' Big Three, power forward Zach Randolph, is also out with a sore right knee.
Aside from the three starters, backup center Chris Andersen had also dislocated his shoulder last Sunday while shooting guard Jordan Adams and big man Brandan Wright are both recuperating from their separate knee injuries.
With all the injuries in their roster, Memphis is currently devoid of seven players that include four starters.
Bleacher Report noted that "depending on his rehab, Chalmers may not return to on-court activities for four to six months".
The report also observed that Chalmers' injury "came at nearly the same time that" then Portland guard Wes Matthews suffered the same one last year. Matthews was able to come back in time for his new team Dallas Mavericks' season opening game in October.
Chalmers has averaged 10.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in 22.5 minutes of playing time per night this season after playing six games for Miami and 55 games for Memphis.
