Mike Batiste will miss the Grizzlies' trip to France and Spain this fall.

Instead, the forward is headed to Greece.

Batiste, a restricted free agent, recently signed a contract to play for Panathinaikos during the 2003-04 season, the Grizzlies confirmed Monday.

The Griz tendered Batiste a qualifying offer after the 2002-03 season. They could have matched other NBA offers within 15 days. That non-binding agreement essentially required Batiste to earn a roster spot by opening day.

However, Batiste would have been waived because of the Grizzlies' intent to keep summer-league standout forward Theron Smith.

Batiste, overweight most of last season, had a sub-par summer league.

"The emergence of Theron Smith and his signing to a contract was a major plus for us," Griz coach Hubie Brown said, referring to Smith's two-year deal. "He has excellent talent, can play two positions - the small forward or power forward - he shot (approximately) 60 percent from the field, and he handles the ball well. We like his total game and his ability to defend the entire floor."

Via Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Grizzlies

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