Miami Heat legend Mario Chalmers recently went on Colin Cowherd’s talk show, The Herd. He talked about the current state of the NBA Finals, his time with the Heat, as well as other rumors.
Cowherd opened by asking Chalmers about the Finals this year. This year’s Suns team and the Miami Heat teams with Chalmers and the big three are extremely different.
When Chalmers was in Miami, they were a team composed of almost all veterans. Meanwhile, the Suns are “a bunch of kids, outside of Chris Paul and Crowder,” said Cowherd.
He asked the former champ what the advantage is when playing with veteran players in his experience. Chalmers responded that the biggest thing was the experience.
"“For us, going into our first Finals vs the Dallas Mavericks, the only person that had been there before was probably D-Wade and Udonis Haslem. So, going into there we didn’t really know what to expect, so it was a little different challenge. And then going into year two when we played OKC we had the advantage over them because we had just been to the Finals.”"
The experience was invaluable in Chalmers’ eyes, especially considering that they knew what it took to get to that point. With that being said, he still went on to choose the Suns over the Bucks in the Finals, noting his long-time relationship with Chris Paul.
Cowherd went on to ask about his time with the Miami Heat, specifically what it was like playing under LeBron James. He compared the situation to that of Chris Paul with the Phoenix Suns in the fact that both are very verbal with their teammates.
Chalmers spoke about why James’ outspokenness helped him when he was a young player. He said that he “never wanted to be the weak link,” and that James helped by pushing him.
"“It definitely helped, just because you knew what to expect. You know, once you have the best player in the world rooting for you and trying to get you to bring the best out of you, it shows that he cares. It shows that he needs you and he wants you to be there along his side, and to help out on the team. And you know for me, I never wanted to be the weak link on the team. I was right there pushing myself just trying to keep up with those guys and do what I can.”"
The point guard also talked about the recent rumors involving Damian Lillard. Cowherd brought up the idea of Lillard being traded to Philadelphia, but also mentioned the concerns on the defensive side of the floor.
Chalmers was quick to respond by saying how valuable he believes Lillard is. He stated that the fact he can do so many things with the ball is what makes him such an incredible talent.
He went on to say that the pairing of Lillard and Joel Embiid could be great. There are some defensive issues that might have to be ironed out, but he also said that their pick n’ roll game would be elite.
The interview wrapped up with Cowherd asking Chalmers about a potential NBA return. The retired point guard recently stated that he wanted to try out for the Lakers, as they are reportedly looking to add a playmaker this offseason.
Cowherd asked him whether or not he was serious about the idea, to which he responded “definitely serious.” He then followed up by asking Chalmers if he was still in shape. Chalmers responded with a longer answer that included why he believes he could still make an impact in the NBA.
"“I’m definitely still in shape, I’ve been playing the last couple of years in Greece, so it’s not like I haven’t been playing. I’m playing in the BIG3 right now, I’m still staying in shape. And for me I just think with my knowledge and the way I’ve been in any basketball situation, I think I can help any team, not just the Lakers. But, you know for them to say they’re looking for a playmaker, somebody that can make a difference on the court, that’s always been my role with the Het, that’s always been my thing with the NBA is being a difference-maker. So, I feel like I could still do that.”"
The 35-year-old point guard last played in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2017-18 season. As mentioned, though, he has spent the last couple of years playing in Greece.
He has always had the same role in the NBA as someone off the bench who can come in and make a difference. Why would that be any different this time around?
Would you like to see Mario Chalmers make a return to the NBA? Former Miami Heat teammates could soon be reunited in LA.