It’s an annual tradition in the NBA: Some player who flew under the radar for most of the season steps up big in the playoffs and finals, then gets rewarded with an oversized contract by another team that falls in love with that performance.
Miami’s Mario Chalmers is the leading candidate to be that guy this year.
Chalmers has knocked down big shots in the finals and has defended well on the perimeter. And, he’s a free agent after this season. When asked about that by Hoopsworld, Chalmers gave the standard answer involving family.
Chalmers made $854,389 this past season and while there is a $1.1 million qualifying offer out there according to Sham Sports, Chalmers will get to test the market (whenever the lockout ends).
Chalmers has hit big shots in the playoffs — something he has done since helping Kansas to the national title in college — but during the regular season averaged 6.4 points per game on 39.9 percent shooting. He hit 35.9 percent of his threes, which is by far where most of his shot attempts come from.
Chalmers is a good defender, which matters a lot, but he is not going to give you consistent offense.
But some team always falls in love with these finals performances and overpays.
