This is Lebron’s revenge… This is Bosh’s moment… This is Wade’s redemption… This could be the best trio to ever step on an NBA court.
Yet they know that to win the coveted Larry O’ Brien trophy they can’t do it alone. Rest assured that role players will be an important factor.
Riley isn’t just being glib when he talks about “15 strong”. The coined phrase became the mindset that helped the Heat succeed in winning their first championship in 2006. This accomplishment would not have been attained without the help of key bench players such as Alonzo Mourning, Antoine Walker, James Posey, and Gary Payton.
Rile’s has done a phenomenal job putting together the pieces to this beautiful 2010 puzzle. The following is the first article in a series which will help familiarize our fans with the entire Miami Heat Roster. You know the other 12 added to the Big 3 which equate into 15 strong.
Mario Chalmers
Almario Chalmers aka Super Mario is entering his third season as the starting point guard for the Miami Heat. Chalmers was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2008 draft then briefly traded to The Heat for two future 2nd round picks.
He was born in Anchorage, Alaska and was raised in a basketball household where his father mentored him. His father (Ronnie) coached him at Guided Bartlett High School where he helped lead them to two state titles in 2002 and 2003 and two runner up finishes in 2004 and 2005. Ronnie then quickly followed his son to college where he became the University of Kansas Director of Basketball Operations.
Chalmers entered the NBA with a top notch college resume which definitely caught the eye of The Heats front office. He was a 3 year starter at Kansas. That is where he first became famous for his clutch NCAA Championship shot, but surely what stuck out to the NBA scouts, is his rogue like defensive tactics . Chalmers is able to use his lengthy arms and quick hands to pick pocket extra possessions for his team which helped him break a 26 year Kansas University record by recording 97 steals in 2006-07. He was also honored as the 2007-08 Final Four most outstanding player,along with being a Big 12 All Defensive first team selection.
As soon as Chalmers arrived in Miami he added a nice defensive boost to a thin PG position. He began breaking Heat franchise records beginning with recording 9 steals in only his fourth game in the NBA. He is the only Heat rookie to start all 82 regular season games while finishing a successful 2008 season with an astonishing 160 steals which ranked him 1st among rookies and 4th in the league.
Chalmers is one of the lucky young players who will benefit from a potential Miami Heat Dynastic run. This will give Chalmers the opportunity to improve on a lackadaisical 2009 season. While working hard this summer Chalmers suffered a minor high ankle sprain which will rest him for 2-4 weeks. Heat fans should expect him to be ready for training camp and prove he belongs with this team of elite stars.
Who knows maybe in three years people will be saying Chalmers is a top notch player in his own right. He may very well have a similar ascension as say Rajon Rondo.
There is a reason Riley and Eric Spoelstra made Chalmers a starter as a rookie. Furthermore there’s a reason they kept him. Now it’s time for Chalmers to prove both men right in their choices.