Oj “Rotten” Mayo and “Super” Mario Chalmers
One rookie was taken very early in the draft while the other drifted into the 2nd round. Both were McDonalds All Americans in High school and followed that up with brief yet successful college careers. One is projected to be a rookie of the year candidate while the other is just hoping to get into the rotation. Both surprised in their first games for opposite reasons.
Oj Mayo shot a whopping 5 for 20 in his first game as the Grizzlies got smoked. Mayo shot 0-7 from 3 point range and made a couple shots that weren’t dunks or layups. The other heralded rookie on his team, Darrell Arthur, got a double double opening night. Mayo will be fine and by playing 40 minutes showed that he has the job to lose. Most players, if given 40 minutes will consistently put up stats and Mayo will. He’s a gifted passer, ball handler and finisher so he’ll get his numbers naturally. I really think he’ll average in the mid to high teens with decent assists and rebounds totals.
On the other hand we have Mario Chalmers who really surprised me with his play opening night. I’m not saying that he will do this every game or that he will average a triple double throughout his career. I’ve been around basketball enough to know that he’ll have ups and downs and have some games he wont’ even play. Some games he’ll have more turnovers than points and minutes played and that’s the life of a rookie. Chalmers nearly put up a triple double against the Knicks and earned some respect. He put up his numbers against a team that isn’t very talented and will give up a ton of points this season. Great game though and I hope he keeps getting playing time in Miami.
My point is that OJ will get a much better look than Mario just because of the investment made in the player. Chalmers wouldn’t have been allowed to play 40 minutes and miss 15 shots because by the time he missed 3-4 three point attempts he would’ve been on the bench and DWade would’ve been in his ear. Rookies in the NBA have it tough and while I don’t think Oj will be rotten forever he sure was rotten opening night.
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Hold the Mayo! Admittedly, Mayo has tremendous talent. His lack of size without superior athleticism may prohibit him from reaching his media-given potential. Chalmers is a Warren Buffett/Benjamin Graham pick in respect to his under appreciated value. His judgment - at least in the Rookie Transition Camp - is still questionable. Still too early overall to project their long-term impact in the league.
Good analysis!
Yours in hoops,
Peter Robert Casey
http://www.linkedin.com/in/peterrobertcasey
November 5th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I like Chalmers size for a point guard and his ability to play defense. Since the first game Mayo has done better and of course takes more of an offensive approach to his game. Mayo is going to be very good and get some ROY votes. The jury is out on Chalmers…you can’t tell me that if Miami could get Marbury for cheap that they wouldn’t love to have him even though getting him will instantly add 10-15 losses to the Heat. Fun to watch and keep posting.