Mario Chalmers returned to game action on Monday in the Grizzlies preseason win over the Magic as he scored 19 points on seven-of-10 shooting. It was Chalmers’ first NBA game action since he ruptured his right Achilles tendon during the 2015/16 season, also with the Grizzlies.
Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal writes that Chalmers played with the same effectiveness he displayed for several championship-winning teams in Miami. “The injury is gone,” Chalmers said. “That was the biggest part of my rehab – finishing through contact. It just comes second nature to me now.”
Chalmers, 31, sported a new look with cornrows and a headband, which he said was inspired by former Grizzlies point guard Allen Iverson. As Chalmers tries to make a full comeback, secure a roster spot, and be effective, Head coach David Fizdale is excited for a healthy Chalmers on his roster.
“When you go through an Achilles (injury), I’m sure there are moments when you’re not sure if it’s ever going to happen again,” Fizdale said. “You know, for me to be with him his whole career, and now for me to be here to see him making his comeback is very gratifying for me. It’s an honor for me because I’m invested in (Chalmers’) life. We’ve got deep, deep roots. I’m just happy for the kid, to see him out there competing, playing in NBA games again.”
Check out additional Grizzlies news below:
- In a separate story, Tillery writes that Jarell Martin, who dropped 16 points and nabbed four rebounds in the team’s preseason win will need more performances like that if he wants to keep his roster spot.
- JaMychal Green‘s two-year with the Grizzlies signed last Wednesday is worth $8,533,33 this upcoming season and $7,866,667 next season, according to Basketball Insiders.