Fansided

These are not the playmakers LeBron James is looking for

By Brad Berreman

Jan 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks to his teammates during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Quicken Loans Arena. The Kings won 116-112. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks to his teammates during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Quicken Loans Arena. The Kings won 116-112. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers (6) prepares to shoot the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter Williams (5) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers (6) prepares to shoot the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter Williams (5) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The case Against Mario Chalmers

Chalmers has a history with James, playing four seasons together with the Miami Heat that yielded four NBA Finals appearances and two titles.

Chalmers was traded from Miami to the Memphis Grizzlies early last season, averaging 10.3 points and 3.8 assists over 61 combined games before a season-ending right Achilles’ injury last March. ESPN’s Marc Stein reported Cleveland’s possible interest in Chalmers back in mid-October, and now that he’s fully healthy that interest is apparently being re-kindled on some level.

Dating back to a national-title winning jump shot at Kansas in 2008, Chalmers has not shrunk from big moments. He obviously has a lot of playoff experience too, with 99 total games and 66 times in the same playoff starting lineup with James during Miami’s annual deep postseason runs.

They key with Chalmers is of course his health, now and over the rest of the season, regardless of what team he might land with. But barring a long-term injury for Irving he wouldn’t have a big role with the Cavaliers, and James may already be lobbying for Chalmers behind the scenes. Having Cleveland’s de facto general manager in your corner is a point in favor of Chalmers, but that doesn’t mean James’ memory is an accurate representation of the player he is now.

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