Throwback Thursday: The rise and fall of O.J. Mayo

Future Grizz star

Mayo started his rookie year with a bang. In his first month, he tallied four 30-point games and averaged 21.9 points in 17 games. He played in all 82 games, averaging 18.5 points on 38.4 percent shooting from downtown and 3.2 assists.

He didn’t win Rookie of the Year, but he made the All-Rookie 1st Team alongside Derrick Rose (the Rookie of the Year), Russell Westbrook, Brook Lopez and Michael Beasley. Pretty good company, if you ask me.

The sky was the limit for O.J. Mayo.

In his sophomore year, his scoring numbers dropped (17.5). However, the future was still bright for this Grizzlies team. With a young core of Mike Conley, Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol – things were looking up. Memphis acquired Zach Randolph as well, adding to the hype. They had the makings of a team that rivaled the OKC Thunder’s trio of Westbrook, Durant and Harden.

Until catastrophe struck for the young star.