The recent 10-game suspension for O.J. Mayo, who has been a borderline fantasy player since he started coming off the bench, could be “the final straw that broke the camel’s back” for his fantasy value.
Mayo said he was not aware that the over-the-counter supplement was on the NBA’s banned list and accepts responsibility for his careless actions.
After a stellar rookie and sophomore year where he averaged 18.5 and 17.5 points per game, respectively, Mayo is averaging a career low 12.2 points this season.
O.J. Mayo scored at least 20 points in four of the first six games this season, but was moved to a reserve role by mid-November. Fantasy owners remained patient despite the inconsistent output from the former USC Trojan star.
But for a player whose fantasy strengths are concentrated in the offensive categories, Mayo has had a miserable year. Take a look at a comparison between his rookie year and this season.
2008-09: 18.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7 threes, 88% free throws, 44% field goals
20010-11: 12.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 threes, 76% free throws, 41% field goals
O.J. Mayo’s production has decreased in every statistical category since his rookie year.
Now with a ten-game suspension during fantasy crunch-time, O.J. Mayo should be dropped in standard 12-team leagues. Deep league owners will probably have to hold on to him due to the lack of waiver wire replacements, but if you are in a borderline fantasy playoff position, you may also have to cut ties with Mayo.
Written by Win My Fantasy League Senior Writer Justin Hasan (J-Has)
