Mario Chalmers is back with the Memphis Grizzlies. Can he still be a difference-maker through their new youth movement? Can he stay healthy and contribute?
After an achilles tear truncated his last stint in 2016, the real Mario “Super Nintendo” Chalmers returns for another crack with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The NBA last saw Chalmers during the Grizzlies’ injury-ravaged 2015-16 campaign, clotting their backcourt before going down himself. While the team won’t be as desperate for his services this time around, he could still provide value both on and off the court.
So how does he figure to impact Memphis’ 2017-18 season?
Point Guard R&D
Ironically, the best long-term scenario is probably that Chalmers’ on-court impact is minimal. Memphis is rebuilding their backcourt, and hoping that Wade Baldwin or Andrew Harrison can be a reliable answer off the bench.
Of course, that outcome may be a pipe dream. Baldwin has yet to establish himself in the NBA after spending most of last season in the D-League (sorry, the “G-League”). The only thing Harrison has established himself as is an absolutely abysmal shooter. Either of them panning out long-term will require development.
While the impetus is clearly to develop Baldwin or Harrison, Chalmers may command more minutes if they prove unreliable and Memphis competes.
Mario World
Having Mario Chalmers as an insurance policy is a bit of a mixed bag for the Memphis Grizzlies. On one hand, he’s a stout on-ball defender with an immense wingspan and solid instincts. He won’t be a noticeable downgrade on D when Mike Conley sits.
On the other hand, Chalmers’ offensive production hasn’t been trending in an encouraging direction. Once a borderline-elite stretch threat, Chalmers’ shooting stats nose-dove once LeBron left Miami. With declining quickness off the dribble, and no drive-and-kick threat to set him up on the perimeter (Tyreke Evans is not that dude), his means of getting buckets may be limited.
At the very least, Chalmers is a seasoned vet with a relatively high IQ. He’ll make the right play more often than not and set a solid example for the young players to follow.
Professor Chalmers
Chalmers’ greatest contribution to Memphis may be his leadership presence. As a decade-deep veteran and two-time champ, he’s played with the NBA’s best, bringing rare playoff experience to this undeveloped roster.
Moreover, he grinded his way from a second-round pick to a lengthy career as a valued role player. There’s plenty he can impart on the Grizzlies’ youth – none of whom are sure things – about discipline and work ethic.
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Final Thoughts
Chalmers probably has something left in the tank, but expecting a repeat of his last Grizzlies stint – career-high 18.0 PER – may be unrealistic. His preseason has been inconclusive. He’s shown glimpses of his old self, but also shot erratically and racked up more turnovers than assists through four games.
His on-court value to the Grizzlies almost directly correlates to the team’s level of success. If Memphis is playoff-bound, his experience will pay dividends; if they bottom out, giving Harrison or Baldwin more reps will be the priority.
Regardless, Chalmers is a sage veteran presence, providing value to the team no matter what his ultimate role. He’s competed at the zenith in both college and the NBA, and can be a strong role model for how Memphis’ youngsters should – and should not – develop as players.