[princejamesParticipant]

 

I used to think that OJ Mayo was overrated and overhyped, but after getting a chance to watch him play a couple of times this year with Memphis. I have been very impressed with his professionalism, unselfishness, team first attitude, and potential to develop into a true good combo guard ( a guard who can play both the pg and sg positions equally well ). And it’s obvious that oj mayo still has alot of upside left in his game, and if he lands in the right situation in the off season, specifically with a team that will feature him more, allow him to develop and maximize his abilities, and allow him to work on turning his weaknesses into strengths. I think he definitely with ease has the potential to develop into a allstar caliber combo guard in the NBA with-in the next coming years.

In my opinion he has to get away from memphis and sign with another team that will give him the opportunity to reach his full potential and develop into the best NBA player that he can be. For example, it’s hard to imagine how a guy can go from averaging around 19ppg his first 2 seasons, and then end up playing off the bench behind two guys ( Mike Conley & Tony Allen ) that are obviously not as talented as him. I personally think that Lionel Hollens did a terrible job of coaching and developing oj mayo ( For example, he waited until his fourth year in the league before he finally gave him the opportunity to develop his point guard skills – which was the only part of his game that oj mayo really needed to work on in-order to become a true combo guard, because he came out of USC with an average feel for how to play the point guard position ). And from personal experience, it’s frustrating to play for coaches like that, because they can potentially stunt your growth as a player, through their inabilty to allow you develop in ways that promotes growth in your basketball skills and understanding that come from playing experience and learning from your mistakes . Players like Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, James Harden, Rajon Rondo etc . Have all turned into very good players because their coaching staff and organizations were commited to their development into great players even at times when they have struggled.

When I watch OJ Mayo play, he has a skill set that is very similar to Ben Gordon and Joe Dumars

Like Ben Gordon, OJ Mayo is a very talented scorer and shooter, who has the ability to create and make very difficult shots against very tough defense. His main weapon is his jump shot, which he can make from any and every angle. He has very good offensive footwork on the perimeter ( he can utilize very good balance & body control on the perimeter, jabsteps, stepbacks, shotfakes from every angle, 1-2 dribble pull-ups, he can make difficult fadeaways with ease, he moves well with-out the ball in catch & shoot and catch & drive situations). He really is a very talented scorer, who at times can become a guard who’s simply too hard to guard. The only things that he needs to work on to become an even better offensive player, is to simply challenge himself to become more confident in his slashing ability ( which can be easily done, because he’s a very skilled ballhandler, who can utilize a variety of dribble moves to create space and driving lanes for himself ). He also needs to work on maximizing his finishing ability around the rim. Which will turn him into a guard who can consistently get 20 -25 ppg with ease every game.

Great Examples Of OJ Mayo’s Offensive Talent & Ability:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjSe1Y-l3e0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up7o44sywGA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEmljJSxvPQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_-aYjMa8hc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3uTfCAXcN4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyS0BsRbvEY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qknYlVnzP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkHOVvQfMHE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwL-6enTyDI&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1lqjw9CwA&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyPk3LOZb2s

Like Joe Dumars, OJ Mayo is a solid defender and a true combo guard, who plays with a tremendous amount of poise, confidence, toughness, and unselfishness. He’s the kind of player who’s willing to take the big shot or make the extra pass to create better offensive opportunities for his teammates. And like Joe Dumars, OJ Mayo will be a great combo guard playing alongside a great point guard, where he can share playmaking, ball handling, and decision making duties with the point guard, but be asked to do what he does best. Which is score and shoot the ball at a very high level while playing the shooting guard position.

I’ve been very impressed with the development oj mayo this year, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what kind of player he develops into within the next coming years.

Perfect Teams For Mayo To Sign With:

• Playing Next To Rubio With The Timberwolves
• Playing Next To Rondo With The Celtics
• Playing Next To Derrick Rose With The Chicago Bulls
• Playing Next To Deron Williams With The Nets
• Playing Next To Kyrie Irving With The Cavs
• Playing Next To Chris Paul With The Clippers
• Playing Next To John Wall With The Wizards

 

[CameronParticipant]

I’m a big Mayo Fan and in my opinion he has really done an excellent job dealing with a number of potential distractions in Memphis (not being a starter, the fight with Tony Allen).  I would love for the Spurs to pick him up, but unfortunately I think the price might be too high.  He would be a great addition to SA and provide additional perimiter scoring as well a guy who can get his own shot (to a certain extent). 

[KHAM83Participant]

Memphis has been rumored at "giving away Mayo" for some time now, as well as shopping Gay for a lotto pick. Can you see either teams agreeing to either deal?

Wolves gives #17 pick for Mayo

Wolves gives #17/Beasley (FA) for Mayo & Gay

Cavs giving #4 pick for Mayo & Gay

Cavs giving #24/34 for Mayo

Charlotte giving #2 for Mayo & Gay

Washington giving #3 for May & Gay

[FastAndFuriousParticipant]

 Man I just remember being younger and hearing allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll this stuff about OJ, then watching him perform and him dominating dudes in HS, he was supposed to be the next Lebron and even though I never saw that, I did think he would be the next big thing…..until his senior yearhe stopped progressing and guys(Michael Beasley,Derrick Rose,Kevin Love,etc) started to pass him up,but 9-11th grade man he was a beast.

[TyroberParticipant]

 I’d love if the Cavs signed Mayo and drafted Barnes. Fantastic offseason.

[omphalosParticipant]

I’d love to see Mayo come over to the Celtics. Rondo would find him in his spots, and I think he’d excel under Doc’s tutelage, because he’s actually a very high BBIQ player, but Hollins’ somewhat simple offensive sets limits him.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

He told Danny no. He does not fit. Bradley is more athletiic and plays that way. Bradley is better on D. I was not impressed with Mayo in HS games I saw nor college games neither. I would stay away from Mayo unless he is given up for nothing. Unless he is banging threes he is not that useful in the game. His D is ok nothing special.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

He really doesn’t much more potential IMO. He peaked very early in his career. His role has been declining every year for a reason.

[GoJOSH HUESTISParticipant]

Exactly, he just stopped progressing. I’m not sure what happened after his jr year but most of it has to do with everyone else kept progessing. He has a had a roller coaster NBA career so far.

[iguapops420Participant]

 Anyone else tried of these OJ Mayo threads? The guy isn’t a number 1 option on a winner, but put in a role like Rip Hamilton with the Pistons in 04 I suppose he potentially could be in an unconnventional sytem, but most offenses he’s going to be a terrific 3rd option. Personally I’m tired of seeing people post their same thoughts on his potential, role, and progression. At this juncture, we know what he can and can’t do, what he can and can’t get better at, and who does or who doesn’t like the guy.

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