The Memphis Grizzlies have signed forward Darius Miles for the remainder of the season, Grizzlies' General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

The 6-9, 235-pound forward has averaged 5.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.80 blocks in 12.1 minutes in 10 games with the Grizzlies this season.

The Memphis Grizzlies reached a buyout agreement and waived guard Steve Francis, Grizzlies' General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

The 6-3, 210-pound guard has not appeared in a game with the Grizzlies or Houston Rockets this season after he was acquired from Houston on Dec. 24, 2008 along with Memphis? own 2009 second round draft pick and cash considerations in exchange for a conditional 2011 second round draft pick.

The Memphis Grizzlies have reassigned Kevin O?Neill to the new role of special assistant to the general manager, Grizzlies' General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

?Kevin O?Neill was instrumental in our draft preparations last year, which resulted in bringing O.J. Mayo and Darrell Arthur to the Grizzlies,? Wallace said. ?Kevin is a very valuable resource for us. He has the rare combination of college coaching experience, as he was recently a head collegiate coach for a NCAA Tournament-caliber team, and he has a perspective of a NBA coach. We are eager to have Kevin?s input in our draft evaluation process again this year.?

Ousted Sixers' coach Mo Cheeks has reportedly turned down an assistant coaching role with the Memphis Grizzlies, Phil Jasner of the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting.

"But, he decided he wanted a little more time to himself," new coach Lionel Hollins said. "I certainly understand that. He'll have opportunities later."

Lionel Hollins has high expectations for the Grizzlies, who will play their first game under the new coach on Tuesday against the Nuggets.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge," Hollins said Sunday. "I believe that I have a vision of what it takes to win. I want to come in here and try to lay a groundwork of work ethic, of sharing the ball, of playing defense, playing hard.

"I will be demanding, and I'll have high expectations."

The Grizzlies introduced Lionel Hollins are their coach during a press conference on Saturday afternoon.

"I wouldn't say it was a surprise," forward Rudy Gay said of the hire. "Lionel is going to help. His personality will work well with us. He's definitely capable. I definitely understand why they picked him."

Hollins is set to become the sixth different coach the Grizzlies have had since owner Michael Heisley bought the franchise in 2000.

"He's definitely a player's coach," Hakim Warrick said. "Just being around him you know that he knows what it takes to be successful. It's needed."

New York Knicks' coach Mike D'Antoni, said he called Marc Iavaroni on Friday, but the pair didn't discuss a reunion.

When asked by New York media whether the Knicks are in Iavaroni's future, D'Antoni said that wouldn't happen anytime soon.

"Not now, D'Antoni said. "It's way too early (to consider). I wouldn't be ever against it because he's a great coach."

Jerry West will write his autobiography for publication in 2010.  

"The process of revisiting and delving into the best and worst parts of my past has been -- and will continue to be -- a tremendously challenging experience," West said. "But I am doing everything I can to ensure that my book will be an honest and thorough account of my life and career, which, at times, have been completely improbable and against all odds. I think that many people will be surprised by what they read."

Former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, now an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks, will be named Mark Iavaroni?s successor this weekend, according to a source with knowledge of the organization?s plans.

Hollins, 55, plans to bring with him as assistants former Philadelphia head coach Maurice Cheeks and former Los Angeles Clippers coach Barry Hecker.

Former Mavericks' coach Avery Johnson has turned down the chance to make a return to an NBA bench with the Grizzlies.

NBA coaching sources told ESPN.com on Friday that Johnson was offered a five-year contract by the Grizzlies to replace Marc Iavaroni, who was fired late Thursday.

Johnson, though, passed on the opportunity, preferring to remain in his role as a studio analyst for ESPN.