Mavericks owner optimistic about new players; looking forward to Mayo having a long career with the Dallas Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks turned around a poor start to the offseason - in which they failed to land their primary target free agent guard Deron Williams - by adding five players that they feel will help them stay afloat in the Western
Conference.
Williams, a Dallas native, was expected to join Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks to make a powerful combination that would have made them instant title contenders. However, he re-signed with the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas went ahead
and acquired Elton Brand, Dahntay Jones, O.J. Mayo, Chris Kaman and Darren Collison. And of all the new players, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban feels that Mayo is the star who will shine in the Mavericks the most.
Mayo, the number three pick of the 2008 NBA draft, had a great rookie season where he averaged 18.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Memphis Grizzlies. However, he took the role of the 6th man for the Grizzlies
over the past two seasons, which saw his minutes and numbers decline.
Mark Cuban acquired him in free agency, believing that he could become a star guard in the league if given the right opportunity.
“I think he can be a star. And I think O.J. knows that this is his make-or-break, who-am-I-really-going-to-be-in-this-league year. Coach (Rick Carlisle) is going to give him that opportunity. We'll see what happens,” said Cuban.
Mayo is signed to a one year deal with the Mavericks with a player option on the second year. Cuban however believes that Mayo has a long career with the Mavericks, and will be their starting shooting guard next season. He further
asserted that Mayo will break out to be one of the shining stars in the Mavericks roster.
The two guard id himself is eager for the opportunity to prove his talent and revitalize his NBA career.
“Being an elite player in this league and being able to bring it night in and night out is a big step for me. That's what I want to prove this year. Being a starter guard in this league and player for a great team like the Dallas
Mavericks, I can be an elite player night in and night out,” said Mayo.
Mayo revealed that he chose Dallas over other teams because of Coach Rick Carlisle’s reputation of developing young players. Carlisle had a great impact on the career of point guard Chauncey Billups, and Mayo says Billups encouraged
him to play for Carlisle.
After a long wait, Mayo is finally in the space where he wanted to be all along. He is the starting shooting guard of a well known basketball franchise with the opportunity to prove his talent. He finally has the chance to make
a real impact in the league.
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