Armed with trademark swagger, Chalmers unfazed by changes
Mario Chalmers isn’t sweating the departure of LeBron James.
If anything, the Miami Heat point guard from Anchorage expects to fill the void. Some say that’s crazy, but Chalmers has never lacked confidence.
His swagger is his trademark.
It’s a big reason why Chalmers stayed in Miami after signing a two-year deal worth $8 million.
“I felt like it was opportunity to finally have my own team,” he told The Kansas City Star. “I felt comfortable being back there.”
Chalmers, of Bartlett High fame, is entering his seventh season in the NBA, all with the Heat.
He is Alaska’s all-time leader with 99 playoff games, highlighted by four consecutive runs to the Finals. He won titles with the Heat in 2012 and 2013, making him the first Alaskan to win a NBA championship.
Obviously, James played a pivotal role. But Chalmers made plenty of big plays over that time as well.
Now he’s ready to shoulder more responsibility.
“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “It’s a different challenge that we got to face, but we’re ready for it.”
Chalmers had one of his best regular seasons last year, averaging 10 points and five assists, although it was overlooked because he struggled in the Finals against San Antonio with just 4.4 points.