O.J. Mayo impressed with Dirk Nowitzki’s work ethic, wants to emulate him – NBA News
O.J. Mayo desperately wants to re-ignite his NBA career after experiencing a downfall as the 6th man for the Memphis Grizzlies the past two seasons.
Mayo had a great start to his NBA career four seasons ago, and he was a regular starter for the Grizzlies. However, even though he impressed in his first two seasons with his consistent scoring, Mayo lost his starting job and was
reduced to a sixth man. He was acquired by the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason as they looked to rebuild after losing out on free agent Deron Williams, as well as former Dallas players Jason Terry and Jason Kidd.
Mayo knows that he has a clear chance of starting the games for Dallas if he is able to put in the work and prove his worth. And when it comes to putting in work, Mayo has already found himself a role model, someone to look up
to in the Mavericks locker.
Mayo was talking to Mavs blogger Bryan Gutierrez and talked about the positive impact fellow Maverick Dirk Nowitzki had on him, and how he wanted to emulate his work ethic.
“It was crazy. I came in early and I knew the young guys would be here because they’re supposed to come in a little early before the veteran guys. I looked up and Big D was in here and that was crazy. I just really respect his
work ethic and his resume and what he’s done in this league. He’s a Hall-of-Fame player in this league. I’m happy to come here and go to war alongside him,’ said Mayo about Nowitzki.
Mayo was witness to the age old fact that the best players in the league are the ones who train the hardest and put in the most time. LeBron James and fellow players who made their first Olympic appearance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics
were impressed with the work ethic of Kobe Bryant and the amount of effort he put into his body and his game.
Mayo has an opportunity of making his career here in Dallas. He is currently signed to a one year deal, but can earn big bucks next season for a new contract if he is able to handle to back court for Dallas and form some chemistry
with Nowitzki.
And he now knows how to do that.
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