I don't think OJ Mayo has broken out. He is just on a hot streak.
While I am sure his shooting numbers will almost certainly drop from where they are right now, I am not sure they will drop that considerably. He always has been a talented scorer, and Dallas has been really playing to his strengths. His peripheral game (rebs, assists, defense) probably won't change much, but I do expect his scoring to settle down into the high teens, as his three point shooting drops closer to his career average (39%). His assists also might rise, once Dirk returns.
I really think if he is used as a #1 or 2 option on a team, then he can consistently be a 18, 4 and 5 type guy, with solid shooting percentages.
But that's the thing Chris, his 2 point percentage is 46% for his career.
This year its 46% exactly.
The only thing different from this year and last year is 8 more minutes per game and shooting a full 14% better than his career average from three point range. He hasn't even changed his shot selection any, same attempts per minute from the same spots on the court.
Right, exactly. So, his points will drop a little when the 3 pointers are not falling at an obscene rate (sorry, I should have specified 3 point percentage before...I was thinking it, but didn't actually state it), but otherwise, he will continue being the player he has been. Which is a much better player than he got credit for in Memphis.
Maybe, but if his scoring goes down to a more "normal" TS% what is he? A good scorer who doesn't do much else for you, just like Memphis.
Except I think he does do more for you. He is a solid passer, solid defender, and can rebound a decent amount for a guard. He really is a solid all around player.
This isn't Marcus Thornton or Jason Terry, or some other volume scorer who brings nothing else to the table. He is a guy who can compliment his scoring with an all-around game.
The problem in Memphis, is that they were asking him to compliment his all-around game with his scoring, and that just wasn't working. They wanted him to be Tony Allen, but with better shooting, and he isn't that.
As far as a comparison, I would say he is a poor man's Joe Johnson...with the poor man part coming largely due to the lack of size.