Memphis Grizzlies Roundtable: Grading the Mario Chalmers Signing
The Memphis Grizzlies have signed former backup point guard Mario Chalmers to a partially-guaranteed deal. Was this the right move?
The backup point guard position has been a big issue for the Memphis Grizzlies since Chalmers’ departure. Without him and Conley in the 2016 playoffs, the main point guard was Jordan Farmar. This past season, the Grizzlies and the fans endured the brutal rookie process of Wade Baldwin and Andrew Harrison. Then, they signed Toney Douglas who wasn’t even much better than the rookies.
The Grizzlies have put some faith in the young guards, but they have a backup plan if they don’t work out in the preseason. Mario Chalmers is back on a partially-guaranteed contract. Basically, if he doesn’t look ready, Memphis can waive him with little repercussions. However, if he looks good enough to handle the second unit, it’d be a huge steal for the Grizzlies. A big enough steal that could benefit the team in the postseason.
As we grade each offseason move thus far, Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA), Jake Finnen (@HalfCourtJester), Nathan Chester (@BigNateChester) and Ryan Patterson (@_ryanjp) give their thoughts on the Chalmers signing.
Grade: B
I was the biggest Mario fan back when they originally signed him. He had exactly what the Grizz needed at the time: consistent scoring and facilitating off the bench.
But with the additions of Evans and McLemore, it seems as if Mario’s signing is redundant. However, Chalmers has proved himself worthy of the backup PG spot, whereas Evans and McLemore have yet to play a game in a Grizz jersey.
The signing makes a lot of sense, yet at the same time makes no sense at all. But at this point, does anything Wallace does make sense? — Ryan Patterson
Grade: C
The Grizzlies are lacking second unit ball-handling and offense, so a healthy Mario Chalmers helps that. During the 4th quarter, Memphis lacked the tools needed to produce. Giving the ball to Conley or Gasol was easily defended and usually led to ill-advised shot attempts by players who were out of their comfort zone.
Chalmers adds his own element to the offense and can create a masterpiece of the second unit chaos. By taking over the game, Chalmers will be able to keep the pressure on opposing teams when Conley and Gasol are on the bench. This is, IF he stays healthy. — Jake Finnen
Eh.
I love Mario. I really do (2008 national title game notwithstanding).
The Grizzlies do need consistent veteran ball-handling behind Mike Conley. However, Tyreke Evans helps solve this problem, so the Chalmers signing didn’t seem necessary.
The Grizzlies consistently fall into the trap of using washed-up veterans rather than developing their young talent. Chalmers represents a temptation to repeat the mistakes of the past. — Nathan Chester
Grade: C-
I understand this signing. I really do. The Memphis Grizzlies lacked a true backup point guard last year and couldn’t survive without Mike Conley. In the 2015-16 season, Mario Chalmers was one of the best backup point guards in the league and was a spark for the Grizzlies. However, an achilles injury derailed his 2016-17 season.
The contract the Grizzlies gave Chalmers wasn’t bad. It’s essentially a “training camp” deal as it’s only partially guaranteed. If he doesn’t look good, they can waive him. However, why did they bring him in when they’re investing in two young point guards – and used a two-way deal on another one?
After leaning towards a youth movement, this signing was a perfect case of a “one step forward, two steps back” scenario. Hopefully, Chalmers can prove me wrong, but Harrison or Baldwin should be given the keys to the second unit. — Parker Fleming
What do you think of the Mario Chalmers signing? Comment your thoughts below.