Dallas Mavericks: Former Mav O.J. Mayo signs a deal to play in China

Dallas Mavericks fans remember the season of O.J. Mayo well. The former Mav signed to play with Hunan Jinjian in China next season.

Dallas Mavericks supporters would like to forget the 2012-2013 season. The Mavs were two years removed from their championship and subsequent teardown. The previous season they were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Thunder. The Mavericks went 41-41, and it was the only time in a 16-year stretch from 2001-2016 that they did not make the postseason.

Dirk Nowitzki led the team in scoring in 2012-2013, but a promising 25-year-old O.J. Mayo finished second. Mayo played all 82 games. He averaged 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.7 3-pointers made, and 1.1 steals per game in 35.5 minutes a night. Mayo shot 44.9 percent from the field, 40.7 percent on 3-pointers, and 82.0 percent from the foul line.

It was Mayo’s only season in Dallas. He signed in the summer of 2012 to a two-year deal but exercised his player option to become a free agent after the first year.

He signed with the Bucks in 2013. Problems followed Mayo after that. He never earned the same playing time in Milwaukee. Mayo was ultimately suspended by the NBA in 2016. Sports Illustrated did a fantastic piece on him in August 2017 which fans can read here.

Mayo signs to play in China

O.J. Mayo signed a deal to play for Hunan Jinjian in China next season. He is still only 31 years old. Mayo has bounced around the world since his NBA suspension. He played in Puerto Rico and Taiwan before heading to China.

Mavericks fans can enjoy a video below from Nov. 2012 about Mayo coming to Dallas.

Keep an eye out on how Mayo performs in China. He always had tremendous basketball talent. Hopefully, Mayo can display it next season.

Final thoughts

Former Dallas Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo signed a deal to play in China next season. He has not played in the NBA since 2016.

The Mavericks are gearing up for an offseason filled with excitement and intrigue. Fans should be ready for rumors to be flying around on a daily basis. The Smoking Cuban will bring it all to you, so please check back often.