Mayo dons Knicks apparel during workout, Altaffer/AP

USC star shooting guard OJ Mayo was showing off his top-pick skills Thursday, in a private practice session at the New York Knicks training center, according to AP reporter Rick Freeman. The Knicks have the 6th pick in the upcoming June 26th draft, and there is a real possibility Mayo could still be on the board. And despite New York just completing their seventh consecutive losing season, OJ Mayo might just be the perfect fit.

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For starters, Mayo came to USC to be the superstar. He knew that the Trojans weren’t a traditional college hoops powerhouse, but he had the determination to make it one. Same with New York. Sure, the Knicks had championships back when disco was the newest thing, but it’s been a long time since Nixon was in office and Mayo could definitely help make the Knicks a contender. Secondly, Mayo came to LA because he wanted the big city spotlight. And it definitely doesn’t get bigger than Madison Square Garden. Trade in 6-8, 215lb Davon Jefferson for New York’s 6-9, 260lb veteran forward Zach Randolph and you got a good thing going. Add to the mix Knicks’ Jamal Crawford’s 20.6 points per game, and as they say in New York, forget about it…

Mayo’s been getting comfortable working his through controversy and the Knicks are no strangers to subject. There was of course the Isaiah Thomas scandal, the wild the Knicks-Nuggets brawl and Zach Randolph is known to have a short fuse. But OJ Mayo should have a good amount of practice keeping a clear head through it all, and will fit in nicely with Mike D’Antoni’s quick firing offense.

That is of course if he slips all the way to the sixth pick, Mayo’s had serious looks from every other team in the top five.
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