O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies is a fascinating young player. He can score on the level of the Kobe Bryant’s, and can pass well too. He was one of the NBA’s best rookies in 2009.
He was drafted in 2008 by the Minnesota Timberwolves and was traded later that night to Memphis in a deal involving another top rookie Kevin Love.
O.J. is an electrifying player, with many different skills. An intelligent player, he knows where to be on the court at all times.
He can score from anywhere on the court, he is an excellent shooter, and also uses superior quickness and strength to drive to the basket. If he improves his defense, he will be a top 5 player.
Mayo is part of a young, and fast improving Grizzlies squad. With the addition of Hasheem Thabeet, the second overall selection on the 2009 Draft, the Grizzlies have one of the best young starting lineups in basketball.
In addition to Mayo, former first round pick Rudy Gay is another stellar player who is joined by former 4th overall pick Mike Conley Jr. and Pau Gasol’s younger brother Marc Gasol.
The next step for the Grizzlies is to develop and get better. If these players live up to their potential, Memphis will be a dangerous team to beat for many years.
While the west is already filled with quality teams, many of them are older and slower. If the Grizzlies use their youth and quickness to their advantage, they will make the playoffs, and could do damage if not taken seriously.