This topic contains 35 replies, has 22 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar lilojmayo 12 years, 3 months ago.

  • Author
    Posts
  • #33642
    AvatarAvatar
    Bmore_DC
    Participant

    Mayo’s career is at a crossroads. And the Grizzlies — facing high expectations after a playoff run to Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals last season — are right there in terms of evaluating Mayo’s future with the organization. The 6-3 shooting guard brought a household name and bucket loads of points in 2008, going on to average 18 points his first two seasons as a starter.

    But those Griz teams weren’t playoff qualifiers.

    Mayo, as a reserve, turned in career-low numbers when Memphis broke through with a historic postseason run. Veteran Tony Allen and second-year guard Sam Young emerged while Mayo endured a role reduction.

    There are people close to Mayo who believe that a new destination would restore his starter status and change his career outlook.

    – Reported by Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal

     

    im an OJ fan and wish him the best, whether its with the griz or somewhere else

     

    0
  • #606516
    AvatarAvatar
    OrangeJuiceJones
    Participant

     He’d look great on the Bulls. He doesn’t have the ability to consistently create his own shot, but Derrick Rose could set him up for plenty of open looks on the drive-and-kick.

    0
  • #606519
    AvatarAvatar
    Wavy Bagels
    Participant

    If there’s one thing I feel ANY NBA player should learn is to know your role on your team. OJ must accept the 6th man role on the Grizz. His scoring off the bench is crucial for this team (Where else will the points come from CONSISTENTLY?). He can still have an effective career as a 6th man and could eventually rise to the occassion as starter if not for the Grizzlies, then another team in the future.

    0
  • #606520
    AvatarAvatar
    iguapops420
    Participant

     LAL, Charlotte, Cleveland would  all be good destinations IMO. Cleveland and Charlotte would be best for his  career. possibly Indy as well.

    0
  • #606523
    festar35festar35
    festar35
    Participant

    INDIANA or Charlotte.

    0
  • #606524
    AvatarAvatar
    mbunner23
    Participant

    Not enough shots for him in Memphis with Gay, Randolph, Conley, and Gasol. Not to mention Selby who looks like he could take over Mayo’s role for the Grizz. I would like to see OJ play for Cleveland or Charlotte where he could be the man or second option. I also wouldn’t mind him playing for a team like the Knicks, or Magic if they could somehow get him but that’s not a likely senario. 

    0
  • #606526
    AvatarAvatar
    kngojc
    Participant

     As a Bulls fan you already know the answer to where I would like to see him play. But I think he wouldn’t work well with Charlotte simply because of the new image they’re trying to develop. He would slow their rebuilding process. In Cleveland he would be the man… But does anyone REALLY wanna take on that role after the departure of James??? 

    0
  • #606533
    AvatarAvatar
    iguapops420
    Participant

     OJ would. He’d be playing closer to home and like you said, be THE MAN. IMO, OJ would have no prob putting up 20-4-4 as a primary scorer. IMO, going to college was a bad thing for him as an individual player as he learned about not hogging the ball and playing a team game. If the highschool to pro’s hadn’t  been eliminated, he’d have been taken by a team and been able to be a #1 gunner. I think he needs to be on a rebuilding team where he can be not neccesarily "the man" but at least the primary scorer similar to how Rip Hamilton was in Detroit when they were at their peak.

    0
  • #606541
    AvatarAvatar
    Ollstar
    Participant

    This guy was so hyped out of highschool. Did alright at USC. He’s hasn’t found himself in the NBA yet. I think a 31 min 6th man role is fine. MIP next year IMO.

    0
  • #606549
    AvatarAvatar
    omphalos
    Participant

    The more I think about it, the more I like OJ to Cleveland. They are a team with no real options at the SG, at least none the quality of Mayo, and will also need someone who can spread the floor for Kyrie. He should get his shots, a chance at being a leader, and be part of the Cleveland resurgence.

    – Irving/BD/Sessions
    – Mayo/Harris/Eyenga
    – Casspi/Gee/Eyenga/2012 lottery pick
    – Thompson/Varejao
    – Varejao/Erden/Drummond (if they are reaaaally lucky)

    Look at that list and tell me they can’t be a playoff team in a year or two. If they could land a Barnes or Kidd-Gilchrist or one of the other great SF prospects if they lose out on the Drummond sweepstakes then Gilbert’s "win a ring before Lebron" statement might not seem so ridiculous.

    0
  • #606550
    AvatarAvatar
    dmo21
    Participant

    Maybe they ship of OJ to Cleveland for Gibson(shooter off the bench), Hollins(backup for Gasol), Samuels(they need more bigman depth), and Graham(just a throw in but I like him, very strong dude). Cavs would probably have to throw in a pick in there too but this helps Memphis stregthen there bench a lot and Gibson can score off the bench which OJ had trouble doing..

    0
  • #606552
    AvatarAvatar
    IndianaBasketball
    Participant

    "IMO, going to college was a bad thing for him as an individual player as he learned about not hogging the ball and playing a team game"

    Just smdh at this comment… Sad, sad, sad… First off, USC was all about Mayo! And second, when in the world did learning how to play team ball and not hog the ball mean something bad??? This is a terrible terrible statement… I guess Austin Rivers learning to play team ball and the game the right way under Coach K is going to be a terrible thing too? Lol.

    IF Mayo was taught to play team ball much earlier in his life, he’d be better off now because he’s not a Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Derrick Rose, etc type of talent that can dominate the ball, etc and lead his team to wins. That’s the reason he’s had so tough of an adjustment because he has the mental mentality that he IS one of those type of talents and he’s NOT.

    —–

    I don’t think Mayo is a primary option. IF he is the primary option, he’ll probably get his 20 points on 17 shots and only three free-throws per game, but that team isn’t going to be good.

    IMO Mayo needs to embrace his role in Memphis and try to stay apart of a WINNING team… Not go to a bum team just so he can average shots and be a loser.

    IF he wants an opportunity to be a starter and STILL be on a winning team, then I think he should go to Chicago. He’ll still be no more than the 3rd or 4th option though depending on the night.

    Whatever, he does, there’s no way I go to that toxic waste land in Cleveland where the owner sucks, the team sucks and he’ll be surrounded by outside distractions.

    0
  • #606554
    AvatarAvatar
    Andrew1984
    Participant

    As a Clevelander, and based on what I know of Chris Grant and Byron Scott’s formula for rebuilding the Cavs, I would be shocked if they spent any money on a free agent like OJ Mayo this season. They want to build through the draft and cap flexibility.

    They’re going to let Irving and Thompson play this season (yeah, yeah, if there is one, blah blah), be lousy again, and get another lottery pick, probably anywhere in the top 6 or 7. What they need most is scoring. My guess is that who they’d want would be, in this order, Drummond-Barnes-Rivers-Lamb.

    Once they get competitive, maybe in Irving and Thompson’s third or fourth year and in their 2012 pick’s second or third year, then they’ll look for FAs to complement them.

     

     

    0
  • #606555
    AvatarAvatar
    Andrew1984
    Participant

    This is his contract status, by the way:

    2009/10: $4,165,560
    2010/11: $4,456,200 (Team Option)
    2011/12: $5,632,636 (Team Option)
    2012/13: $7,390,018 (Restricted Free Agent)

    0
  • #606556
    AvatarAvatar
    The Scare Crow Returns
    Participant

    He still has a great outside shot and can play both guard spots, and is way more durable then your boy Gordon…

    0
  • #606558
    AvatarAvatar
    IndianaBasketball
    Participant

    Gordon vs Mayo? That’s not even a debate I get involved in anymore, since Gordon has squashed that. It’s clear who’s better between those two. I’m more interested in seeing if Gordon can take the next step and actually help Griffin lead the Clippers to the playoffs.

    But I like Mayo… I thought he showed some maturity vs OKC in the playoffs. I just don’t think he’s a primary scoring option or the superstar people thought he’d be coming out of high school. I just don’t see it. I never have really. I don’t see a great combo guard. I see a tweener who shoots jumpshots and barely gets to the line or finishes around the rim.

    0
  • #606559
    AvatarAvatar
    jonus grumby
    Participant

    as a Bulls fan i’m not sure I want him.  yeah they do need an upgrade at SG and I realize Detroit won with a simular sized backcourt but with Rose and Mayo at the guard spots I think they will be undersized. 

    0
  • #606571
    AvatarAvatar
    Bmore_DC
    Participant

     u guys all have interesting scenarios…i like the Bulls, Cleveland, and Charlotte…theres some other teams too like New Orleans, Wizards, Golden State, Dallas, Indiana, Toronto…plenty of options for him and there will be a team willing to take a chance on him

    0
  • #606585
    AvatarAvatar
    JunkYardDog
    Participant

    I think he could be a great piece into the boston celtics’ future…

    he could be a complementary piece to rondo and allow allen to come from the bench and last some more seasons. 

    I’m also agree with him going to the bulls… it should be the ideal creative sg they need to take some pressure off roses’ shoulders.

    0
  • #606599
    AvatarAvatar
    iguapops420
    Participant

     You clearly missed the ENTIRE point of that statement and complete paragraph. It was a fact that as a ball hog, OJ would have been able to simply put up numbers, get contracts, and not worry about a team game and winning. And sorry to tell you, but OJ NEVER forced the issue at USC. He played a team game and actually made the extra pass. I wasn’t saying learning how to become a winner is a bad thing. I said it was bad for him as an individual. Just like Monta Ellis, he puts up numbers at an elite level but can’t produce wins. You think that hasn’t been the best thing for him as an individual? The difference wil be about 4 million dollars every year simply because OJ is a team player that put the what the coaches and team want first whereas Monta gets numbers.

    SMDH at you reading one line of my post and making your statment based on that reasoning.

    0
  • #606601
    AvatarAvatar
    iguapops420
    Participant

     Indiana, I’d really like to have seen you be a pro with extreme talent where you could get numbers, endorsements, and high dollar contracts as a loser while you’re young, and pass that up to be a"winner" and getting no endorsement love, and about half the amount of money you could be getting. As much as winning is the main priority in basketball, when it’s your career, you will take the money 9 times out of 10 and being he man, is what gets you the money. Then again, I’m sure you would pass up all that possible money when you’re in the prime of your career so that you could play to your weaknesses and play a measly role on a team that makes it to the seond round….Rolls Eyes.

    0
  • #606606
    AvatarAvatar
    Bmore_DC
    Participant

    i think the lockout has all of us basketball heads on edge haha..

    0
  • #606615
    AvatarAvatar
    mikeyvthedon
    Participant

    I agree much more with IndianaBasketball as opposed to your assessment. Even if it would have given OJ another year of salary, it would not have made him a higher pick (Definitely not seeing anyone having taken him over Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. I can see you countering that they would have entered the draft the year before if not for the one year rule, but we can only be so hypothetical). I think USC was a bad choice for OJ, quite honestly. I do not feel like he did really defer, he just so happened to have some solid teammates and thought of himself as a PG.

    At the beginning of their freshman year, I thought Eric Gordon looked far superior. After a while, I leaned toward OJ, especially with him looking really solid as a rookie and providing a counter to Derrick Rose to an extent. But, he has done very little to show improvement in that time. It seems like he rarely chooses to defer or play the type of team basketball you so claim that he learned in college, and that he takes way to many jumpers. His lack of getting to the line is definitely an issue, and makes him much less efficient than some of his counterparts that play his position. He is a great FT shooter, great shooter in general, but he needs to be more willing to drive.

    If your primary option is putting up 20-4-4, than I am not sure you want them as your primary option. He came so close to those numbers as a rookie, you would hope that his ceiling would be higher. I definitely disagree that going to college was a bad thing for him as an individual player. Had he gone to the NBA, he would have been taught the same things he learned at USC. That is part of the reason he went to USC to play for Tim Floyd. He certainly would not have had as productive a rookie year out of HS, and had he been chosen by the Atlanta Hawks 3rd or chosen by Memphis 4th instead of Mike Conley, those do not seem like incredible places for him to be much different than he has been thus far.

    I think OJ’s ultimate goal, besides finances, was to be the best basketball player he could possibly be. Having a good rookie year definitely made it seem like he was on the right track to being a very solid player. However, since that first year, their seems to be a definite trend going on that the team is indeed better off with other scoring options. It is a complete unknown as to whether OJ could be the primary option on a competitive team. So, while he might be alright with going to a team and being the man, maybe even happy being closer to home, would it be his best option, or even the best option for the Cavaliers? Definitely could be intriguing, but probably not. OJ is going to get money either way, and honestly, who is to say that he would not get more endorsements or advertisements in a winning atmosphere rather than as being the best player on a bottom feeder? The guy is a very talented basketball player, but is he a guy that you want as a first scorer on your team? The answer definitely appears to be no, especially with the projections you had given to him.

    0
  • #606616
    AvatarAvatar
    Tongue-Out-Like-23
    Participant

    IndianaBasketball

    "I guess Austin Rivers learning to play team ball and the game the right way under Coach K is going to be a terrible thing too? Lol."

    I laughed out loud

    I guess athletes should start a 1 on 1 league instead of playing at prestigious schools such as USC and Duke.. right, iguopops?

    0
  • #606620
    AvatarAvatar
    iguapops420
    Participant

     No, simply what I said. Sometimes a player goes to college and learns they don’t need to be selfish and cause their numbers to dip. 

    @Mikey, 20-4-4 was realy meant to be in a 20+ type scenario. Not literally only 20 points. And BTW, Rip Hamilton was the primary scoring option when Detroit won the title in 04 and he didn’t average that much.

    @TOL23, I didn’t find it all that funny. Austin Rivers isn’t the kind of player who will buy into a system or the idea of team play. Just like JR Smith. 

    I watched OJ live in highschool SEVERAL times, and I’m here to tell you he waqs a completely different kind of player then. Now he is too willing to defer to teammates or take a back seat to others when his talents are being hidden and he’s being asked to play to his weaknesses. This is going to cost him endorsements and overall salary from NBA franchises. OJ’s game isn’t made to be a role player or bench player. He needs the ball and be allowed to create for himself. Change of scenery would be best for him.

    And again I repeat, for HIM as an INDIVIDUAL, college wasn’t the best choice. College for most is a great choice and a lot of times does help, but like OJ proves, doesn’t always. And mikey, I wasn’t talking about him going any higher in the draft.

    0
  • #606621
    AvatarAvatar
    iguapops420
    Participant

    Furthermore, Kobe has said before that he doesn’t feel going to college would have helped him out any because it would have taken certain parts of his game and made him think they were bad. But ultimately, those are the things that make him, him. Same way OJ should have been.

    0
  • #606626
    AvatarAvatar
    Memphis Madness
    Participant

    The Grizzlies should definitely keep OJ Mayo.  He played well in the playoffs and was about the only guy who could get his own shot on the perimeter.  I feel though that he is more of a combo 6th man off the bench like Jason Terry.  OJ can shoot, create his own shot, handle the ball some, and is a creative passer.  I don’t think he is big enough to be a Kobe-like super star starting 2 guard but OJ is good at what he does off the bench.  I really like the scoring punch with him off the bench as a shooting guard who can also handle the ball.  He played pretty good defense too so he also has that going for him.

    If Mayo starts on the Grizzlies then you have too many guys who need shots with Z Bo and Rudy Gay both being 20 points per game scorers and Gasol and Conley also needing the ball (and shots) with not much scoring off the bench.  I think that OJ Mayo started off the year not shooting well and it really effected his game.  He is not really a pick and pop guy so him standing in the corner 20 feet from the basket isn’t his game.  I think he needs the ball in his hands and the ability to create his own shot.  Then when that gets going then he can make open jumpers.  He’s a guy that, if he is on and if he is picking his spots, can really help your team.  I think he is a guy that you bring off the bench to give you scoring punch, and, if the matchups are right and if he is on his game, you can leave him on the floor at crunch time.  

    0
  • #606641
    AvatarAvatar
    The Scare Crow Returns
    Participant

    they have similar strenghts and weaknesses…

    0
  • #606643
    AvatarAvatar
    IndianaBasketball
    Participant

    @Memphis Madness

    Why should the Grizzlies definitely keep Mayo? IF you look at their roster and financial situation, it wouldn’t make sense.

    ESPN probably overrated Tony Allen on their recent rankings list, BUT there’s no doubt about the impact he’s made on that team. And they’re getting him at a bargain paying him slightly over $3 million per season. And then there’s 6′ 6" 220 lb Xavier Henry who the team loves and is only getting paid rookie scale chump change. He may be young, but he’s built like a seasoned veteran. He’s probably a better fit to the makeup of the team than Mayo is. It just makes sense to let Mayo go. I mean, he’s making more than both Allen and Henry put together this year.

    The Grizzlies have over $40 million committed to Randolph, Gay and Conley… They haven’t even re-signed Gasol. It just makes sense to move Mayo. They’d probably trade him for just cap relief. Did you see what they accepted from Indiana for him last season? Not exactly a high quality offer from Indiana.

    Memphis will roll as Randolph, Gay and Gasol roles. Even Mike Conley plays a bigger role than Mayo. Even with Mayo gone, this team won’t miss a beat.

    0
  • #606644
    AvatarAvatar
    IndianaBasketball
    Participant

    And as far as people thinking he’d be a great fit in Indiana, I’d rather have George Hill.

    Hill doesn’t have the "star" power or name recognition Mayo has, but Hill is a better defender, shoots just as well and has better combo guard ability. Hill is low maintenance too and will never complain about playing time, etc. Whether he plays 40 minutes or 15, he won’t complain or let it affect his play. He’s the ultimate team guy.

     

    0
  • #606645
    AvatarAvatar
    iguapops420
    Participant

     I actually gotta agree with Indy, I just see no reason why Memphis would keep OJ. His role has diminished, Xavier is looked at as the sg of the future and appartently well liked for his defense as a rookie guard, and Selby seems like he may be primed to take OJ’s role in the next couple of seasons. They practically gave him away at the deadline, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Grizzlies try and package him for a guy like Taj Gibson to bring off the bench and not miss a beat. Either way, I don’t see OJ staying in Memphis past the deadline.

    0
  • #606720
    AvatarAvatar
    RUDEBOY_
    Participant

    LOL..

    Isnt it Funny how things can change overnight?

    After a sparkling rookie year…There were alot of people that jumped on his bandwagon calling him the heir apparent to Kobe as the league’s next great shooting guard..ESPN the magazine even had him as the league next superstar.Some were saying that Kevin Love for Mayo trade looked 1 sided…

     

     

    0
  • #606723
    AvatarAvatar
    RUDEBOY_
    Participant

    Mayo showed how valueable he can be during the playoffs last season…..They sometimes struggle to put points on the board and it forces their inside guys to be overworked..Teams often played zone against them even with Rudy there,becuz of their lack of consistent outside shooting..OJ supplies that and it keeps the defense honest and allow Memphis inside guys to do their thang….

    Alot of people might not have noticed how much OJ has changed his game trying to fit in with the team.. He’s thinking too much and often looks for an open teammate before taking a shot..Even coach Hollins have said he wants OJ to shot more….He has a great upper body,in high school and at USC he often used it against forwards and guards to bully opponents to draw free throws….But rarely does it in the pros…Thats another thing Hollins wants from him, he wants him to drive to the basket more…But OJ hesitates while looking for an open teammate…

    0
  • #606724
    AvatarAvatar
    I May Be Wrong
    Participant

    The Denver Nuggets.

    This is all assuming that the Nuggets lose Afflao. They’ve already lost Smith and Wilson I believe but even if they were back, I had them going to other teams.  Afflao is going to get good offers from contenders like the Bulls, Thunder, maybe even Celtics. I think the Nuggets will look for a new scoring option in Danilo but having OJ Mayo getting 15-20 shots would help to.

    Maybe a trade on the lines of Andre Miller (who may take Conley’s spot if Conley is inconsistant) for OJ Mayo would help both sides IMO 

    0
    • #606748
      AvatarAvatar
      bdiddy5115
      Participant

      Its pretty obvious Mayo and Memphis need to part ways. Unfortunately, Memphis won’t get equal value back at the point, as OJ’s value has plummetted of late, and won’t rise due to his limited role.

      People say Mayo redeemed himself in the playoffs? He played some great D, but I’m guessing you guys have memory-loss…he didn’t even play a fraction as well as he’s capable of playing offensively.

      Many gloat about being "right about Mayo" in that he’ll never be a star. I’m reserving judgment until he gets out from under Hollins’ tyranny. Don’t get me wrong, Hollins has done a great job transforming Memphis into a defensive squad with an inside-out mentality…but he never gave OJ a fair chance, and consequently his "stock" and role has steadlily decreased since his fast start (under Iavaroni).

      Maybe he’ll never be a superstar. But I still feel he can be one of the top SGs in the upcoming era – where it seems there will be a shortage of great 2s.

      0
  • #610438
    AvatarAvatar
    lilojmayo
    Participant

    OJ Mayo about to prove the nay sayyers wrong. He has the talent to be a special NBA player. He ready to showout this year, now that’s it is contract year.

    0

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login