Brooklyn Nets: Signing Mario Chalmers not a smart move
On Tuesday, rumors started to swirl about the Brooklyn Nets showing interest in Mario Chalmers. The Nets would be better off passing on the veteran guard.
The Brooklyn Nets were one of three teams linked to free-agent guard Mario Chalmers, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
Spears reported Tuesday on Twitter that the Nets, along with the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, are showing interest in the two-time NBA champion, who played last season with the Memphis Grizzlies after missing all of 2016-17 recovering from an Achilles injury.
Last season, Chalmers played 66 games with 10 starts. He averaged 21.7 minutes, 10.8 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
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As it stands right now, the Brooklyn Nets have a good arsenal of guards on their roster, especially at the point guard position. These are the current point guards on the Brooklyn Nets roster.
- D’Angelo Russell (projected starter)
- Spencer Dinwiddie (backup)
- Shabazz Napier (third string)
With Brooklyn having three solid young point guards, can Chalmers fit as a shooting guard for the Nets? Well, the shooting guard position is just as crowded as the point. These are the current shooting guards on the Brooklyn Nets
- Allen Crabbe (projected starter)
- Joe Harris (will play the 2 and 3)
- Caris LeVert (will play the 2 and 3)
Yes, there might be some room, but Dzanan Musa can also fit at the 2, which gives Chalmers the short end of the stick.
Even if there was room for Chalmers in Brooklyn backcourt rotation, does he fit in with the Brooklyn Nets? The answer is cloudy. Brooklyn is filled with young backcourt talent.
With Crabbe having the most NBA experience, playing five seasons, Chalmers could serve as a veteran mentor for this young backcourt. Chalmers, who is a two-time NBA champion, can be brought just for mentoring reasons.
He knows how to play in high intensity games, played on both winning and losing teams and has experience with grinding to reach the playoffs.
Now, all of those are good reasons to bring in Chalmers, but this is why Brooklyn should stay away from the veteran point guard.
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If Brooklyn was to bring in Mario Chalmers, it would be for a small period of time. With general manager Sean Marks‘ rebuilding plan nearing a close possibly in 2019, Chalmers will most likely not get an extension with Brooklyn due to his age.
Russell, as of now, seems to be a lock as Brooklyn’s long-term point guard. The futures for Dinwiddie and Napier are to be determined, but Dinwiddie is likely to re-sign with the Brooklyn Nets.
The second reason Chalmers does not fit in Brooklyn is playing time. With Russell, Dinwiddie and Napier all ahead in the rotation, it is unlikely Chalmers will get decent minutes in a Brooklyn Nets uniform.
At 32, Chalmers may not necessarily focus on getting a good amount of minutes as much as just being on an NBA roster but head coach Kenny Atkinson might not even be able to give Chalmers a decent amount of minutes.
The third and final reason is money. The Brooklyn Nets had an eventful offseason filled with trades and free agent signings. As it stands, the Nets have an estimated $50 million to $70 million in cap space for next summer. This can translate to two max contract spots.
The Nets can jeopardize that bright future with the signing of Chalmers if it is for more than one year. No, Chalmers is not worth anything close to a max contract, but Brooklyn has a well-rounded backcourt that can make a playoff push without Chalmers.
According to Gary Bedore of the Kansas City Star, Chalmers is confident he will be on an NBA roster for the 2018-2019 season and is ready to take on any role for a team.
"I am still going, waiting on a contract right now. I’m right here, handling my event this time of year. I’ll figure my next move after that. It’s just a matter of time. They [NBA teams] are getting all the young guys, all the big free agents out of the way now. I’m just waiting my turn.I’m capable of doing everything they ask me to do,. At this point of my career I’m wanting what’s best for the team, what’s best for the organization, trying to take care of little things to keep me on the court and help a team win."
With that being said, Chalmers may embrace the role of being a mentor and a decent amount of minutes with Brooklyn. One thing is for certain; Chalmers will have a challenge on his hands to get consistent minutes.
The other NBA teams that have reported interest in Mario Chalmers are the Mavericks and Pelicans. Chalmers would fit well with the Pelicans, who lost Rajon Rondo to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. Chalmers would be a decent replacement for a good price.