Mario Chalmers: The Miami Heat PG Over The Years

The Early Years: Baby Face Rio

Hailing from Alaska, Almario Vernard Chalmers (why does no one ever call him by his full name?) entered the league in 2008, as the No. 34 pick in the NBA Draft. He was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but was traded to the Heat shortly thereafter. In typical Rio fashion, he had a rough start; he was excused from the Rookie Transition Program in September, after being caught smoking marijuana in a hotel room (with two women!).

He bounced back from this though, having a pretty darn good 2008-2009 season.

Averaging 10.0 points, 4.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals on 32.0 minutes of play, Rio started all 82 games his first year. His steals per game ranked number one among all rookies that season, and fourth among players in general (yes, you read that right). And, in only his fourth NBA game ever, Chalmers ended up setting a Miami record for steals in a game (9).

Next: Sophomore Year