Mario Chalmers admits hating on the OKC Thunder: "I don't want them to win, it's a small market"

The Oklahoma City Thunder made history in the 2024-25 season, winning its first-ever NBA championship. It was indeed a surreal moment for fans, who waited 18 years for it, not to mention the perseverance that owner Clay Bennett and GM Sam Presti displayed throughout.

The Thunder’s management stayed true to the traditional process of drafting talent and nurturing them into potential stars. Choosing not to go for immediate results and shortcuts is paying its dividends in the highest form, in what may be the beginning of a new dynasty in the NBA.

Many around the league are struggling to accept this reality, including former players like Mario Chalmers. The Miami Heat veteran does not wish to see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his crew repeat as champions, a sentiment for which he is not averse to being called a hater.

Recently, appearing on the “No Limit” podcast with Iman Shumpert, Chalmers opened up about not wanting to see the Thunder on the mountaintop the next campaign.

“I ain’t gonna lie. I’m hating. I don’t want them to win… It’s a small market. So, it’s kind of like, business-wise, what are we gonna do? They’re the best team. They got it all. But we need a big city to win,” said Chalmers, who won his two championships playing for Miami.

Part of the Big Three era

Chalmers played nine seasons in the NBA, enjoying most success with the Heat. He was the starting point guard on a roster that featured LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Ushering in the Big Three era, Mario played an important role in winning two championships across four straight Finals appearances.

Part of the Heatles era not only earned Chalmers his two rings but also gave him further access to the business aspects of the league. Mario was no stranger to the unrealistic expectations and pressures that came alongside representing a high-profile market like Miami.

Chalmers shared the locker room with superstars like James and Wade during his tenure with the Heat, making him familiar with both the praise and criticism that come with stardom. Hence, Mario knew what it was like to be at the epicenter of all the action, something he felt small markets like Oklahoma could not offer.

The lines between small and big market teams are blurring

Living in the era of social media, fans have access to all their favorite NBA stars. Gone are the days when major cities like Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago were the leading destinations for free agents. The evolution of technology has created numerous new opportunities, bringing people from different parts of the world closer.

As a result, it has also lessened the gap that existed between the big and small markets in the NBA. Some popular examples include Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, and, of course, the aforementioned Thunder led by Shai.

While fans like Chalmers prefer to watch top-tier cities compete in the Finals for business reasons, one cannot overlook the increasing potential of small-market teams. This is evident in organizations like the OKC, which reportedly invested $900 million in a new arena and continues to build on its young and ultra-talented roster.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Mario Chalmers admits hating on the OKC Thunder: “I don’t want them to win, it’s a small market”

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