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Christian Post Report – Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers
Mario Chalmers is in his seventh season with the Miami Heat, winning two NBA championships in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 season.
Earlier in the season, it appeared that Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was trying to find the perfect fit for the guard, starting him on point and sometimes shooting guard as Chalmers tried to settle in to his role.
The Heat had drafted point guard Shabazz Napier for added depth but ultimately traded off Norris Cole in a three-team trade which involved the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns and Heat.
In the trade, the Pelicans acquired Cole, Shawne Williams and Justin Hamilton, the Suns got John Salmons, Danny Granger, Hamilton after his contract was bought out, and two first-round picks from Miami. And finally, the Heat acquired brothers Goran and Zoran Dragic, adding strength in the point guard position, but placing Chalmers’ role in question.
Naturally, Dragic was slotted automatically into the starting role, and star Dwyane Wade is on the number two spot, which leaves Chalmers in a tough position.
With all the change that had taken place, the 6-foot-1 guard has now questioned his role on the team.
“I don’t even really know what my role is on this team anymore,” Chalmers told The Miami Herald. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing.”
His movement from point to shooting guard has been a result of players being injured and him being placed as a temporary solution – a decision that frustrates and baffles him. Chalmers understands the situation and revealed that it isn’t easy.
“A lot of people are out of rhythm, and you really don’t know what’s going to happen — when you’re going to get the ball, when you’re going to shoot it, you just never know. You just got to be ready for everything, I guess,” he continued.
As the Heat continue their push towards the playoffs, it should be interesting how this plays out, and to see what Mario’s future holds in Miami.
Chalmers’ importance to the Heat was evident as when he played his rookie season as a starter at age 22. He played 82 games and was in the starting five every game as he averaged 10.0 points, 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals in 32 minutes per night.
In their first championship run, Chalmers was also a very important factor in the team as he averaged 11.3 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field.
When they played against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, “Super Mario” was a constant thorn on Russell Westbrook’s side, with the Heat guard using his size and strength to throw off his athletic rival.
And with LeBron James leaving for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the start of the season, many thought that he was one of the players due to step-up as the Heat started to rebuild past the era of the King.
Source : Christian Post