4:25 p.m. EDT

Marcus Williams had a banner NBA Summer League. And it made a difference.

Williams' agent, Calvin Andrews, confirmed to Pro Basketball News on Wednesday afternoon his client will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies within the next few days. The point guard will get a one-year deal for the NBA minimum of $855,189.

"They have a need for another point guard,'' Andrews said. "And, after playing with (the Grizzlies during the summer league in Las Vegas), he's very comfortable with them and the coaching staff."

Williams averaged 13.4 points and 8.2 assists in Las Vegas, with one executive calling him the surprise player of the league. In his first game, Williams set a summer-league record with 17 assists.

Williams had been interested in signing with the Denver Nuggets, but that changed after the Nuggets on draft night swing a deal for point guard Ty Lawson after he had been taken with the No. 18 pick by Minnesota.

Williams still was interested in the Nuggets, if they weren't able to re-sign guard Anthony Carter. However, Williams got tired of waiting to see what might happen to Carter, who had been Denver's preference over Williams, so he took the offer with the Grizzlies.

The Nuggets have offered Carter a minimum contract for $1.31 milion. Carter, however, is looking for a multi-year deal, but indications are he has had little luck in that area.

The Grizzlies also had been looking at Carter, but were only willing to offer him the minimum. So now Memphis turns its attention to Williams, who has career averages of 6.1. points and 2.9 assists in three seasons.

Williams was strong in his first two seasons, averaging 6.4 points and 3.0 assists for New Jersey. However, he barely played last season with Golden State, averaging just 1.3 points and 1.4 assists in nine games before being waived in March. He then finished the season in Puerto Rico.

"We're just looking to rebound from that and for him to get another opportunity," Andrews said. "He'll be an asset to Memphis."

Williams will join a team whose point guards include Mike Conley, last season's primary starter, and Marko Jaric, a combo guard.

Chris Tomasson has covered the NBA for the bulk of the past 23 seasons, most recently the Denver Nuggets for the late, great Rocky Mountain News. He is a regular contributor to Pro Basketball News and can be reached at christomasson@hotmail.com.

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