2012 NBA Free Agents: Teams in Desperate Need of O.J. Mayo

Several NBA teams enter this offseason desperately in need of a shooting guard. O.J. Mayo will be their hottest commodity.

Mayo's averaged over 18 points per game for the Grizzlies the past two seasons. He is a prolific scorer, and he deserves starting minutes.

Many teams would benefit from adding Mayo's considerable upside to their backcourt. He could erupt in a new role on a different team.

These teams would be wise to give him that opportunity.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics will probably allow Ray Allen to leave in free agency this offseason. This results in a gaping void next to Rajon Rondo in Boston's backcourt.

Avery Bradley is a fine player, but he is defensively inclined. He is more suited for a sixth-man role because of the energy he brings to the court.

Marquis Daniels is nothing more than a role player, and E'twaun Moore's upside is unknown.

Without Allen the Celtics will desperately need a scorer. Mayo would complement Rondo's run-and-gun style with great open-court athleticism and a dangerous three-point shot.

Mayo is a confident offensive player who Boston could build around for years to come. Putting him next to Rondo would be an ideal situation for both parties.

Cleveland Cavaliers

I love the idea of Mayo in Cleveland next year. Pairing him with Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson and the Cavaliers' two first-round selections is incredibly intriguing.

Mayo's perimeter game would mesh with Irving's drive-and-dish mentality. Irving would get the shooter he needs next to him, and Mayo would finally command the minutes he deserves.

Cleveland had a brief resurgence with Irving running the show last year. Adding Mayo would improve their game on both ends of the court.

Consider this. With the No. 4 overall selection the Cavaliers select either Harrison Barnes or Andre Drummond. Their No. 24 pick goes whichever direction their first pick didn't (think somewhere along the lines of Arnett Moultrie, Fab Melo or Moe Harkless).

That's a very talented, but young bunch. Cleveland would be smart to make Mayo the backbone of their perimeter offense for years to come.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers must add firepower this offseason. One possibility is flipping Danny Granger out, moving Paul George to his natural position (small forward) and bringing in a high-volume shooter at 2-guard.

Mayo would be the perfect player to fill that void. Granger is an outstanding defender, open-court mismatch and excellent athlete, but he isn't what the Pacers need to take their team to the next level.

Adding Mayo's scoring punch would be huge. He and George would be a dangerous duo from beyond the arc and Indiana's defense wouldn't suffer.

If Mayo's motivated he's an above-average shooting guard. Many teams would benefit from inking him to a contract, but these teams are the best fits.