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Kansas Basketball: Best Jayhawks currently in the NBA

By Chris Taylor

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 24: Mario Chalmers #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 24, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 24: Mario Chalmers #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 24, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

A Kansas basketball hero is the old man on the list and well deserved

Mario’s Miracle is something that no Kansas Basketball fan will ever forget. The shot heard around the collegiate world sent the Jayhawks into overtime, where they defeated Derrick Rose and the Memphis Tigers for the 2008 National Championship.

Not only was Chalmers a champion, he was the 2008 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player as well as the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

While at Kansas he averaged over 12 points and 2 steals per game. His jersey is rightfully hanging from the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse.

Mario was drafted with the 34th pick in the 2008 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, later signed by the Miami Heat.

He started every game during his rookie year for the Heat. He averaged 10 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals per game that season. In just his fourth career game, he set the franchise record for steals in a game with nine.

He played a vital part in helping Lebron James and the Heat win the NBA Championship in 2012. The next season, he won his second NBA Championship.

On November 10th, 2015, Chalmers was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He ruptured his Achilles tendon on March 10th of 2016 and was waived shortly after. In 2017 he re-signed with Memphis.

Over his entire NBA career so far, he’s averaged 9 points, 1.5 steals, and just under 4 assists per game. His role on the championship teams solidify his spot on this list, and there shouldn’t be a single soul who disagrees.

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