The Memphis Grizzlies have been without point guard Mike Conley for the last five games due to an Achilles issue, and he is without a timetable to return. But Mario Chalmers has stepped up in Conley’s place during that stretch, averaging 17.6 points, 6.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game over close to 39 minutes per contest.

The Grizzlies acquired Chalmers from the Miami Heat in early November, and over 32 games (four starts) with the team he is averaging 11.2 points, 3.5 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Those numbers made him worth owning, but not consistently usable, in fantasy basketball leagues since landing with Memphis. Now, that is in line to change.

Per-36 minutes so far this season, Chalmers is averaging a career-best 16.8 points along with 5.7 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals per-36. There aren’t many real threats to his shot volume among Memphis’ backcourt and wing players, so Chalmers should get plenty of opportunities for as long as he is starting (12.6 field goal attempts per game over the last five).

Conley’s eventual return will obviously dampen Chalmers’ fantasy impact, but he shouldn’t automatically be dropped once he returns to a bench role. There’s an argument for trading Chalmers at the peak of his value, which could be right now all things considered, or for sure once there is better clarity on Conley’s status.

Chalmers is a virtual must-add in fantasy leagues right now, and I also think he’ll sustain solid, roster-worthy value for the rest of the season. His ownership rates are rising quickly and substantially, but there is still an opportunity to add Chalmers while he’s widely available.

Yahoo! Ownership: 32%
ESPN Ownership: 34.1%