Chalmers waived by Grizzlies after rupturing Achilles

It was confirmed by the Grizzlies on Thursday that two-time NBA-championship winner Chalmers ruptured his Achilles and will miss the remainder of the season, having been assisted from the court in Wednesday's 116-96 loss to the Boston Celtics.

The Grizzlies also said??because Chalmers is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season,??they have waived the 29-year-old to create a roster spot.

"Mario did an incredible job for us since coming to Memphis," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said.

"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."

Chalmers came to Memphis in November??from the Miami Heat via a trade.

He mostly backed up starting point guard Mike Conley, but still managed to average 10.3 points and 3.8 assists per game.

"He has been an important part of our success this season, both coming off the bench and when called upon as a starter," Wallace said.

"But with Mario's season-ending injury and our already depleted roster, it became necessary to free up a roster spot."

The Grizzlies were already without centre Marc Gasol due to injury, traded away Courtney Lee and Jeff Green, and are still waiting for Conley to return from injury.