Memphis Grizzlies 2017-18 Player Review: Mario Chalmers
By Chris Kern
The Memphis Grizzlies expected a lot out of veteran Guard Mario Chalmers in his first year back from a torn achilles. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for Mario and Memphis.
Mario Chalmers had his ups and downs this season. He was a key contributor for many games this season but he also had some games where he played very bad.
He provided some good veteran leadership to the young guys as so many of this teams veterans suffered injuries that kept them out for a large chunk of the season.
Chalmers may not have played great, but he provided some leadership while he was playing with mostly young guys, especially late in the season.
Chalmers Making An Impact
Mario Chalmers didn’t play at all last season due to an Achilles injury he suffered late in the 2015-16 season with Memphis. He had some positives moments despite all the criticism he got from many fans.
He averaged 7.7 points and three assists per game. His shooting percentages from the field were not good though. He shot just 38% from the field and 28% from three-point range.
His best game of the season was when he put up 21 points in a home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. He had some moments where he did really show his toughness too.
He did a good job guarding James Harden when they played the Rockets. It gotta a little chippy between those two but Chalmers did not back down at all. That toughness was good for the younger players on the team to see.
Is This The End Of The Road?
Mario Chalmers seems like his career could be coming to an end. He had some moments where he played well this season. But it doesn’t seem like he still has it in him to be a good contributor for a contending team.
He should be able to get on a roster next year if he chooses to do so. Maybe he could be back in Memphis but I do not except that to be the case.
The Grizzlies seem like they will go with Andrew Harrison and Kobi Simmons as their point guards for the future. They could bring Chalmers back but I don’t see it happening. He may find a spot on a different team next year but with the current point guards on the roster, there isn’t a need for Chalmers to come back.