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5 NBA Players OKC Thunder Should Target To Fill Open Roster Spot

By Casimir Cuffy

Oct 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti is seen on the floor prior to action against the Phoenix Suns at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti is seen on the floor prior to action against the Phoenix Suns at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers (6) reacts against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Grizzlies defeated the Knicks 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers (6) reacts against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Grizzlies defeated the Knicks 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Mario Chalmers:

Last we heard from Mario Chalmers he was called to an open workout for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the Cavs chose to go elsewhere in their search for a guard. He also got called to a workout for the New Orleans Pelicans last week after the DeMarcus Cousins trade. They chose to sign Reggie Williams, from the Oklahoma City Blue, instead.  All of this doesn’t mean Chalmers can’t produce for a different team with sunset orange and blue as their primary colors.

The two-time NBA champion was actually in the midst of his best statistical seasons as a pro coming off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies before he tore his Achilles in March of last year. The scoring guard has been itching for a comeback into the League and the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a position to offer him one.

Related: Oklahoma City Thunder Trade Grade: Adding and Keeping Talent

Semaj Christon may not be the best option for backup PG:

OKC is low on guards since their own trade with the Chicago Bulls. Semaj Christon is currently their back-up point guard, and while he has performed admirably throughout this season, when the playoffs come around the OKC Thunder would certainly like a veteran running the show whenever Russell Westbrook is taking a breather.

One thing about Mario Chalmers is that he can score the ball with the best of them. He is above average in the pick and roll, which would work well off the bench with Enes Kanter. Chalmers can also shoot  from long-range. Last season he finished shooting 32% from the perimeter, but he has had three straight seasons shooting above 38% from distance earlier in his career. Should OKC give him a chance, it could be a low-risk, high-reward situation.

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