Veteran point guard Chucky Atkins cleared waivers Friday, keeping alive the good possibility that he'll sign with the Grizzlies.

Atkins, who agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Washington Wizards, is expected to sign for the veteran's minimum salary. Atkins' agent, Andy Miller, described the Grizzlies as being under "strong consideration" by his client.

The Grizzlies have been searching for veteran help at point guard since Damon Stoudamire's season-ending knee injury. Before Friday's game with the 76ers at the Wachovia Center, starting point guard Bobby Jackson and forward Pau Gasol both said they would welcome the addition of Atkins to the team, which was 23-14 going into Friday's action.

"You gotta look at it as helping the team," said Jackson, 32, who has been playing a lot of minutes. "We're all trying to do one thing -- get to the playoffs and win a championship."

Said Gasol: "With the veterans we got this year, that's a big part of our success."

Atkins has postseason experience. He was playing sparingly with the Wizards and wanted a change of venue.

"You look at a guy like this and what he brings to the table and how he fits," Jackson said. "Hopefully, it's a good fit. He didn't do too well in Washington, so hopefully he can come back and resurrect his career and help this team. He's a great shooter. Hopefully, he can come in and help this team out."