NBA Trade Rumors: Grizzlies Better off Keeping O.J. Mayo in Memphis

The best move the Memphis Grizzlies can make with O.J. Mayo is no move at all.

The Grizzlies were very close to a deal that would send Mayo to the Indiana Pacers, but the deal is reportedly all but dead. Then, owner Michael Heisley came out and all but confirmed that Mayo will be a member of the team for the upcoming season.

This is a good thing, Grizzlies fans.

Mayo, 24, averaged just 11.3 points and 2.4 assists per game in limited playing time last season, marking career worsts in every major offensive category. That’s because he had to deal with a 10-game suspension for PED’s and also with not starting for the first time in his career, something that is difficult to get used to mentally for somebody that has always been the best player on their team.

The Grizzlies would be incredibly short-handed in the backcourt if Mayo left. Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Sam Young and…Greivis Vasquez?

Mayo settled into his six-man role very smoothly and was a big part of the improbable run the Grizzles went on a season ago. Less is more with Mayo, who still has averaged 16 points in his three-year career.

He has a special ability to beat almost any defender off the dribble and uses his 6-4, 210 frame to bully smaller opponents in the paint.

The Grizzlies are building something special in Memphis with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol as the centerpieces. Conley is in charge of disturbing the ball and Allen provides the suffocating defense. They need Mayo’s offensive talents.

With an extended summer to clear his head, expect Mayo to stay out of trouble and provide the Grizz with 27 minutes of about 13 points and four rebounds.

That’s nothing to sneeze at for a team poised to do big things in 2011-2012.