Seattle Supersonics Draft Candidates: O.J. Mayo
We all know about O.J.'s off-the-court issues—it's now time we take a good long look at him as an actual basketball player.
The Run Down:
- 2007-08 Season Averages: 20.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.3 apg
- Height: 6'5", Weight: 195 lbs, Position: PG/SG, Class: Freshman
- 20 years old
- Best Case Comparisons: Chauncey Billups, Ben Gordon
- Worst Case Comparison: Joe Forte
Strengths:
- Size
- Strength
- Versatility
- Scoring Instincts
- Body Control
Weaknesses:
- Shot Selection
- Turnovers
- Finishing ability
- Wingspan
- Decision-Making
My Take: O.J. Mayo can fall anywhere from picks No. 3 to No. 7. This means that Mayo will likely be considered when the Sonics pick at No. 4.
If Jerryd Bayless is picked at No. 3 by the Timberwolves and Mayo is still on the board, the Sonics should draft O.J. Mayo. The only available point guard prospects after Derrick Rose and Bayless are D.J. Augustin and Mayo.
The Sonics need a point guard—if they don't come out of this draft with one, this year's draft can be marked as a failure.
Although O.J. isn't a true point guard like Jerryd Bayless, he is still an extremly rare talent at the guard position. He has an unbelievable killer scoring instinct. In Pac-10 games, he dropped point totals of 34, 29, 32, and 37.
What is even more impressive to me is his ability to create shots for others when teams start focusing in on him. His passing ability confirms that he possesses the skills of a point guard. But the thing that makes him unique is that he is a shoot-first, pass-second player.
With this killer scoring instinct, O.J. would help Kevin Durant out a LOT. Imagine defenses having to deal with two elite offensive players like Mayo and Durant. O.J. would not only open up the game for Durant, but also for players like Nick Collison and Jeff Green.
Lastly, O.J. Mayo is willing to do whatever it takes to win. His willingness to adapt his game in order for his team to win is rare. Although many players are willing to adapt their games to certain systems, few players can actually adjust and thrive like O.J. Mayo could.
An interesting thing to keep in mind is that the Miami Heat with the No. 2 pick are taking a good look at Mayo. Dwyane Wade has already had several workouts with Mayo, and they have developed a quick friendship.
It has been reported that the Heat believe Mayo is the most NBA-ready prospect. The Heat are absolutely in love with Mayo's athleticism.
What does this mean? If Mayo was taken at No. 2 , then the Timberwolves would likely take Bayless, and then the Sonics would have the option of drafting Michael Beasley.
Conclusion: If the Timberwolves pass on Jerryd Bayless, then the Sonics should draft O.J. Mayo or move down and draft D.J. Augustin. O.J. Mayo along with Kevin Durant would generate a lot of fan interest in Seattle—if the Sonics played their next season here. A Durant-Mayo duo would be the next big thing in the NBA.
Overall, it would be a great decision to draft Mayo, but I couldn't blame the Sonics if they moved down for a purer point guard in D.J. Augustin.
Sources: nbadraft.net, draftexpress.com
Previous Candidates: Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayless, Anthony Randolph
