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Suns should take a long look at OJ Mayo in free agency

By Khaleel Abdullah

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 20: O.J. Mayo #3 and head coach Jason Kidd of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 20, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 101-95 NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 20: O.J. Mayo #3 and head coach Jason Kidd of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 20, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 101-95 NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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There will be many options for the Phoenix Suns this summer through the draft, trades and free agency. There are players that could be signed for cheap that could make a surprise impact. One guy that the Suns front office should take a long look at is O.J. Mayo.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

Let’s take it back to 2008. Ten years ago. Put the spotlight on a kid out of the University of Southern California with star talent. This guy was in the same conversation as current All-Stars such as Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love. He was actually so impressive out of college that he was selected with the 3rd pick in the draft, above Westbrook and Love.

Acquired by Memphis in a draft day deal, he suited up for the Grizzlies for his first four years in the league. Throughout the first two it almost appeared the team had made the right choice. He was a far superior outside shooter than Westbrook and Love. They were really struggling to make anything from beyond the arc while Mayo was swishing 38% of his treys and nailing 1.7 per game along with 18 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals. Westbrook had a line of 15.7 points, 6.6 assists and 1.3 steals and Love put up 12.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 0.5 blocks.

But, over the next two seasons he didn’t show any signs of improvement while the other two broke out. He spent his 5th season in Dallas then three seasons in Milwaukee, at nowhere near his expected level.

Then came news that he violated the league’s Anti-Drug program and was dismissed and disqualified from the Association on a two-year suspension causing him to miss the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.

However, he hasn’t given up. He’s been resilient and determined. NBA scouts are taking notice. He knows he messed up but he’s got a good head on his shoulders now and he’s aching to get back. He’s got to stay miles away from the poison that got him in his rough situation in the first place, but he’s a good guy and he should be okay.

Basketball-wise, his body looks good and he’s in shape. His ball handling and driving are solid. His defense is okay. Overall, he’s worth a look for someone.

Mayo played the 2017-18 season in Puerto Rico, making two treys per game on a 34% clip along with 14 points, 4.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals.

Yeah, that’s not NBA-level ball, but he’s shown he’s the same player he was when he last played in the NBA and still has plenty left to give. He is ready to contribute again once this two-year ban is officially behind him in the near future, just in time for free agency to begin.

He’s 30-years-old but with everything he’s gone through, that’s kind of a young 30.

Devin Booker is the Suns’ starting shooting guard and O.J. isn’t the point guard of the future.

However, Mayo can provide another hot shooting hand, play-making, decent defense, and back up both guard spots.

People love a comeback story. He’d have a lot of support and could carve out a real role in Phoenix. He missed his prime but could be a solid veteran telling the youth to go all out and not make big mistakes off the court because they can really take you away from your dream. He could get the youth to give it all they’ve got while scoring key buckets and feeding other guys on the court in scoring position.

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People make mistakes and some deserve a do over. O.J. Mayo has worked hard to try to get back. He deserves a shot. He could be a solid add for a cheap price. The Suns front office should give him a long, hard look.

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