OJ Mayo, the seasoned NBA player with an illustrious career, has recently made headlines by signing with a new team. According to Alberto De Roa of HoopsHype, Mayo is set to take his talents to China, where he will join the ranks of the Liaoning Flying Leopards. OJ Mayo’s basketball journey has been nothing short of intriguing. Let’s take a closer look at his remarkable career:
OJ Mayo’s NBA Stints
- Memphis Grizzlies: OJ Mayo burst onto the NBA scene after being selected as the third overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He spent four seasons with the Grizzlies, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility.
- Dallas Mavericks: OJ Mayo’s journey continued with a brief stint in Dallas, where he donned the Mavericks jersey for a season.
- Milwaukee Bucks: The sharpshooter then moved to Milwaukee, spending three seasons with the Bucks. During the 2015-16 season, he averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 37.1% from the field and 32.1% from beyond the arc.
Overseas Adventures
However, OJ Mayo’s NBA journey took an unexpected turn. In the summer of 2016, he violated the terms of the Anti-Drug Program, leading to his dismissal and disqualification from the league for at least two years. Despite this setback, Mayo didn’t let adversity define his career.
Playing Abroad: The 36-year-old guard found new opportunities overseas. He spent several seasons playing for various teams and leagues:
Zamalek SC (Egyptian Basketball Federation)
Atleticos de San German
Hunan Jinjian Miye
Liaoning Flying Leopards
Taipei Fubon Braves3
Dominating in China: His recent signing with the Liaoning Flying Leopards marks another chapter in his basketball journey. During the 2020 season, OJ Mayo showcased his scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. His shooting percentages were equally impressive: 57.0% from the field and 43.5% from beyond the arc.
OJ Mayo’s legacy extends beyond the court. As a high school phenom, he was ranked by ESPN as the third-best player in the country. His one-season stint at USC catapulted him to the NBA, where he left his mark in 547 regular-season games. His career averages include 13.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steal per contest, with shooting percentages of 42.9% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range1.
While Mayo’s NBA journey took unexpected detours, his resilience and love for the game continue to shine. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Liaoning Flying Leopards, fans eagerly await his impact on the Chinese basketball scene. 🏀🌟
