Grizzlies waive Yakhouba Diawara, 3 others

The Memphis Grizzlies announced Saturday they waived forwards Yakhouba Diawara and Sampson Carter, guard Lazeric Jones, and forward/center Alex Stepheson, to cut their roster to 16 players.

Diawara, 33, returned to the NBA after a five-year absence during which he played overseas for several European squads. He signed a non-guaranteed training camp deal with the Grizzlies in September, averaging 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in six preseason outings.

Carter played in the Dominican Republic last season after going undrafted in 2014. He averaged 7.1 points and 4.2 rebounds during his five years at the University of Massachusetts.

Jones was also working under a non-guaranteed contract after suiting up for the New Orleans Pelicans' summer league roster. The 25-year-old UCLA alumnus tallied 35 points and 10 assists over six preseason appearances.

Stepheson was given a shot at camp after the team cut Michael Holyfield. The 28-year-old's basketball resume includes tenures in Slovenia, Turkey, and Greece.