That was the official word from Grizzlies officials Friday night regarding the veteran guard they traded for Dec. 24. Francis took and passed a physical but has yet to join the team permanently.

However, he is scheduled to be at the Grizzlies' practice today. Francis was to board an 8 p.m. flight Friday bound for Memphis.

Asked whether the former Houston Rockets guard would figure into the rotation, Griz coach Marc Iavaroni said he hasn't given it any thought.

"It's too early," Iavaroni said. "We'll see what kind of shape he's in."

Iavaroni later said the coaching staff would determine where Francis is physically and mentally.

"We'll see if he wants to be here," Iavaroni said.

Francis was supposed to join the team Tuesday but missed a flight to Memphis due to a family-related issue.

The Griz picked up Francis and reclaimed their 2009 second-round draft pick and received cash. They sent the Rockets a 2011 second-round pick that is protected through 55.

Shoe drive

The Griz are participating in the Samaritan's Feet Shoe Drive a program to help raise funds and provide athletic shoes for youth from the Mid-South and the Darfur/Sudan region in Africa.

The Samaritan's Feet Shoe Drive consists of two steps. First, the Griz will partner with TNT when they host an athletic shoe drive Jan. 13 in FedExForum.

O. J. Mayo , Rudy Gay , Kyle Lowry , Hakim Warrick and Mike Conley will make contributions from their athletic shoe affiliations.

Fans who drop off new, unused athletic shoes at the game against Cleveland will receive a buy-one, get-one-free ticket voucher for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day game Jan. 19.

The final step of the shoe drive will take place during the MLK Jr. Day game against Detroit when the Griz host a silent auction of shoes autographed by NBA players.

All donated funds will be distributed to Samaritan's Feet.

Samaritan's Feet is an international ministry providing relief to people displaced due to poverty, ravaging wars and religious persecution.

- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353