Dallas Mavericks: O.J. Mayo signs to play in Russia

The Dallas Mavericks signed O.J. Mayo back in 2012 as they were searching for talent to surround Dirk Nowitzki. Mayo was 25 years old and a proven scorer as a starter or coming off the bench after four seasons in Memphis. Fans were hoping the 6’5 guard would take another step forward under Rick Carlisle’s tutelage in Dallas.

The 2012-2013 season did not go as anyone hoped as the Mavericks finished 41-41 and snapped a 12-year streak of making the playoffs. Mayo’s production slipped in the second half of the season, but he still averaged 15.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 35.5 minutes per game, including playing in every contest. Mayo declined his player option after the season and became a free agent. He would play just three more years in the NBA before being suspended for two years and has yet to return.

Mayo took a few years away from the game before playing professionally overseas. The 33-year-old found a new home on Sept. 20. Let us take a closer look at where he will be playing next season, and what to expect from the former Maverick.

Former Dallas Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo signs to play in Russia

Mayo signed a one-year deal with BC UNICS in Russia. He will wear number 24 and will look to showcase his incredible scoring ability.

Mayo is soon to make it playing in five different countries during his professional career, but he spent the last two seasons in China with Liaoning where he produced monster numbers. Last season, he averaged 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in just 27.8 minutes per game. Expect O.J. Mayo to continue to get buckets in Russia this season. He is a natural scorer that still has plenty to offer a team at age 33.

O.J. Mayo has not played in the NBA since 2016, so do not expect a stateside comeback anytime soon, but it will be interesting to see how he performs in Russia. Fans should check back to The Smoking Cuban to stay up to date on all the Dallas Mavericks news, opinions, and analysis this season. Do not miss it.