The tribulations of O.J. Mayo in Memphis have been well documented during this 2010-2011 season, the worst of the 23-year-old guard’s career. After beginning the first 13 games of the season in a starting role, Mayo has since seen his role reduced and struggled to find his offensive groove off the bench. His 12.5 PPG this season are the lowest of his career and have triggered swirling trade rumors that would send the former third overall draft pick somewhere where he could see more playing time. 

Mayo’s shooting rates are slightly below where we’re accustomed to seeing them which leads one to believe that O.J.’s down season is nothing more than the result of seeing less playing time. The former USC Trojan is far too talented to continue his low first half production into the late winter months and ultimately making Mayo a buy low possibility. 

Memphis is loaded with a litany of players who require the ball in order to succeed: Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Mike Conley. The trade deadline swap to send Mayo elsewhere would again open new opportunities for Mayo to display his potential in what is currently an overcrowded array of scorers in Memphis. 

Following an early January quarrel on the team’s flight over unpaid debt from a card game with teammate Tony Allen, it appears that moving O.J. Mayo would be in best interest for both the Grizzlies and Mayo fans. At only 23, there is still plenty of reason to believe that Mayo has yet to reach his ceiling.