O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies and the trade options – NBA Feature
O.J. Mayo had terrific first two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, after the team picked him up as third overall from the 2008 National Basketball Association Draft.
Mayo's scoring average remained above 17 points per game in both the periods and he played all 82 games as well. However, the 24 years old failed to put up good numbers, when he went on the court with the Grizzlies in the last
season.
There was a remarkable drop in Mayo's stats. This decline was not just noted in his points per game, but his rebounds and assists also dwindled in the last season. One of the reasons behind this unexpected decline was that the
Grizzlies didn't utilize the 24 years old point guard effectively.
To begin with the young guard didn't get to play full quota of 82 games in his third season and his playing minutes were also decreased from average 38 to 26.3 minutes per game. However, this all had happened due to Mayo's strange
attitude – the drug ban for 10 games and an in flight fight with Tony Allen being on the top of the list.
This series of bad events affected Mayo's performance in the previous season and to some extent he also lost the respect of his colleagues and management.
Now at the cusp of his fourth pro year, Mayo is standing at cross roads and it would be best for him to part ways with the Grizzlies. With the sort of talent he possesses, there will a lot of taker for him.
The first in the line are the New York Knicks. After the Big Apple franchise failed to do well even in the presence of stars like Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire last post season, it has become evident that the Knicks need
quality role players. They had tried for a Mayo trade in the last mid season window, but the deal didn’t materialize then. However, now they can again have a go.
The second potential deal could come from the Indiana Pacers, who almost had Mayo, but the deal was annulled because it was completed after the due date. There is a high probability that the Pacers may again look at the Grizzlies
for the Mayo trade when the free agency market will begin.
The third option could be Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team needs some solid players apart from double-double machine Kevin Love, who had solely carried the entire burden on his shoulders in the previous season. By dragging Mayo
in their line-up, the Timberwolves can form an alliance with the help of which they may go on to spring some major surprises next season.
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