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Memphis Grizzlies: What is the Next Move for Mario Chalmers?

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 24: Mario Chalmers #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 24, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 24: Mario Chalmers #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 24, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mario Chalmers, now a former member of the Memphis Grizzlies, has proved that he can still play basketball at a high level. What will be his next move?

If any member of the Memphis Grizzlies from the past three seasons knows about rollercoaster rides, it is definitely Mario Chalmers. “Rio” most definitely experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows over the past three years.

Coming off of a wild, winning ride with the Miami Heat, it was a changing of tides in South Beach. Having won two NBA World Championships with the LeBron James-led Heat squads earlier this decade, Chalmers made a name for himself as a three-and-D floor general.

Once King James fled from Florida to his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was another rebulding phase for the Miami Heat. This enabled the Memphis Grizzlies to scoop Mario Chalmers in 2015 via trade.

Prior to pulling on the jersey with the name “Memphis” displayed on the front, Grizz Nation had mixed emotions about “Rio.” Chalmers and the Kansas Jayhawks squashed the hometown Memphis Tigers’ NCAA National Title hopes in the 2008 championship game. That is a scar that will be everlasting; however, the unthinkable happened. The city of Memphis actually embraced Mario Chalmers once he began to represent the hometown Grizzlies.

Grizz Nation took Chalmers under their wing. He belonged. He fit that gritty, nasty personality on the court. He was an agitator. Most of all, he provided a spark and a boost for the Memphis Grizzlies’ backcourt. Chalmers was an addition that satisfied a major need. Above all, “Rio” will be forever remembered in Grizzlies history for this remarkable buzzer-beating game-winner over the Detroit Pistons inside the Grindhouse. Perhaps as epic as the shot was the ensuing dab!

Having once been booed by Memphis, it was the complete opposite toward Mario Chalmers after this incredible shot to down Detroit. It was indeed the highest of highs. The team was fun to watch and the bench unit was one of the best the team had established in quite some time. However, the rollercoaster ride would continue.

23 games later, “Rio” and the Grizzlies would suffer a devastating blow. Chalmers sustained a non-contact injury — a torn Achilles tendon — after playing over 20 minutes in a game on March 9th, 2016. Approaching 30 years of age, it was not certain if “Rio” would play another regular season NBA game. In fact, this injury is one of the toughest for a professional basketball player to overcome.

Things were looking very gloomy during the recovery stage for Chalmers. He did not rush back from the injury. He would miss the entire 2016-17 season. Though participating in a couple free-agent workouts, teams were reluctant to extend a contract offer to Mario. However, as fate would have it, the Memphis Grizzlies reconnected with him prior to the 2017-18 season.

Continuing his NBA and Memphis Grizzlies career, “Rio” played a meaningful role for the team this past season. Though he was not as impactful as he was in his first 55 games with the Grizz in 2015-16, Chalmers managed to average 21.5 minutes per contest. With Mike Conley dipping out early due to a significant injury of his own, Chalmers was relied upon while the coaching staff experimented with the team’s fountain of youth. You cannot deny Mario’s winning basketball knowledge that he brings to the table.

In 66 games (with 10 starts) in 2017-18, Mario Chalmers was not quite his old self. Regardless, it was inspriring to see him work his way back from injury to play a big role for the Memphis Grizzlies. The odds were against him, but “Rio” did not fold. He produced 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 41.7% accuracy from the field. Though most basketball fans will not admit it, these were solid stats by the former NBA World Champ.

This week, Mario Chalmers’ name made headlines. The Memphis Grizzlies have severed ties with him once again. Now, it is likely for good. RealGM‘s Keith Smith had the initial report of the Grizzlies renouncing the rights to the veteran guard.

The news really was not unexpected. Memphis has a logjammed backcourt with promising young talent demanding playing time. What is next in store for the 32-year-old guard from Anchorage, Alaska?

It looks as if this ex-Grizzly is working hard this offseason in order to snag another NBA contract. You cannot fault Chalmers. He still has a bit left in the tank to provide to a franchise. If the NBA does not come calling, the G-League may be an option. In the past, veteran players in their 30s have occasionally given the developmental league a chance in order to show NBA clubs that high-level capability is still present. If Damien Wilkins can find success this late in his career, then anything is truly possible.

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In a second option, it should be a guarantee that Mario Chalmers could take his game to the international level. If Stephon Marbury is an MVP candidate in this day and age in China, a guy like “Rio” can enhance his likeness on the internatioanl circuit. If Mario would head down this route, he would join Al Jefferson and Marreese Speights as newcomers to Chinese professional basketball leagues. If anything, it makes these leagues even more competitive.

Off the hardwood, Mario Chalmers is working on the release of a children’s book. “Rio” is the latest baller-turned-author, joining Ray Allen, Chris Paul, and other NBA stars. If he does not continue his basketball career, perhaps Mario has already found his post-hoops niche.

Regardless of where Mario Chalmers lands next, Grizz Nation should appreciate his contributions to Memphis Grizzlies’ record books. He provided some thrilling plays during a couple mediocre seasons. Most importantly, he fought his way back from a gruesome injury to don a Grizzlies uniform for 66 more games. That is admirable in and of itself.

Go Grizz! 

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