With the Miami Heat experiencing their own roster woes and flux right now, they aren’t a stranger to the throws of this current and particular NBA season. However, they aren’t the only team.
While a team’s developmental programs are always essential, important, and though all aren’t good as the Miami Heat’s, they have become extremely important in this current day of COVID. Take for example the fact that the Orlando Magic had more than three G-Leaguers come up for the Miami Heat’s victory over them in Orlando on Friday.
With that, one former Miami Heat champion may find himself with opportunity before him inside of this situation.
Being without their star point guard anyway due to injury in Jamal Murray, needing depth behind that, and then also losing Michael Porter Jr. for what looks like the rest of the year after lower back surgery, the Denver Nuggets have a need.
Former Miami Heat champion, Mario Chalmers, is putting in his NBA comeback bid. It’ll start up with some run for the Denver Nuggets G-League club.
This is where former Miami Heat champion, Mario Chalmers, might see his next crack into the door. Here is the report, per Shams Charania.
Two-time Miami Heat champion Mario Chalmers is signing with the Denver Nuggets‘ G League affiliate Grand Rapids Gold and will play in the G League Showcase (Dec. 19-22), sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2021
While this would likely mean that his best chance comes with Denver, playing in the showcase gives a chance for more teams to see what he still has. Here is what he had to tell Fox’s Colin Cowherd just five or so months ago.
"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."
He last played for Memphis in the 2017-18 season. He played in 66 games across that year, averaging 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and three assists.
He still seems confident, ready, and now he’s getting his shot. You wish Rio all the best and especially as long as he isn’t the guy burning the Miami Heat in a huge moment.