Friday, June 13, 2008
O.J. in Town
Alan Hahn of Newsday.com has a nice article discussing O.J. Mayo's recent visit with the New York Knicks.
Mayo apparently worked out very well showing off his superior shooting skills and athleticism.
He also handled the media very well as Hahn described the 6'5'' combo guard as "polite", even when answering questions regarding the ongoing financial controversy with his alma mater USC.
Mayo could go as high as number two overall to the Miami Heat, the only other team who has worked Mayo out but it is also possible that he falls to number six where the Knicks very well could draft him.
O.J. Mayo drives to the hoop, courtesy of Google Images
Mayo on the idea of playing in head coach Mike D'antoni's system: "It is great for any guard who can get up and down the floor and shoot well," Mayo said. "It definitely puts you in a position to be successful."
Mayo also said, "If you get the opportunity to play for D'Antoni, you get a great chance to put up shots and really get up and down."
It seems that Mayo would relish the opportunity to play in the Garden but I am still skeptical as whether or not he is the right fit for the Knicks. The thought of adding another combo guard with a shoot first mentality, who is turnover prone (more turnovers than assists in college) really makes me nervous.
With that said, if he is available at number six he surely will be the only player left on the board with superstar potential and as O.J. has pointed out, he would definitely thrive in D'Antoni's system.
NOTE: D.J. Augustin, Anthony Randolph, Kevin Love and Danilo Gallinari will be in NY to work out for the Knicks today. Gallinari has stated that if not drafted by the Knicks or Nets he will return to play in Italy. Augustin was an outstanding college player but I have serious questions about a player who is 5'11''. Theres very little that gets me excited about Love. Randolph is a guy I do like.
Bookmark this post:
