| Maynor Using Utah’s Resources Authored by Andrew Perna - November 20, 2009 - 1:10 pm
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Just 10 games into his rookie season, Maynor knows there are still some holes in his game, but he’s more than willing to listen to his veteran teammates and continue to mature.
“I focus on trying to get better every summer, just working in the gym on perfecting parts of my game,” Maynor told RealGM of his preparations prior to his first NBA season.
Maynor was a rarity among first-round picks this past summer. He played at Virginia Commonwealth for four seasons, drafted among nationally-known, early-entry stars like Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin, Syracuse’s Jonny Flynn and North Carolina’s Wayne Ellington.
Although playing time is going to be sporadic, Maynor landed in a nearly perfect situation when the Utah Jazz took him with the 20th pick. He’ll play behind one of the league’s best point guards in Deron Williams and under Hall of Fame Jerry Sloan, one of its best coaches.
He played just 16 minutes through his first five NBA games, but his playing time has spiked as of late with Sloan’s growing confidence and a recent injury to Williams.
Up until just a few minutes prior to Utah’s Nov. 11 game in Boston, Williams’ status was in question because of a back injury. Maynor, who ended up starting back-to-back games last weekend after Williams flew home to attend a personal matter, says that he prepares himself to play major minutes every night.
“You never know,” the former VCU star said. “I try to always keep the same mindset.”
Beginning with last Wednesday’s game against the Celtics, he has averaged 26.2 minutes in five contests. He has given the Jazz 11.6 points, 5.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds over the last week, thriving with the increase in playing time.
He’s shooting 45% from the field, which includes an 0-for-3 performance in Utah’s 90-83 win over San Antonio on Thursday night. His true shooting percentage is 52%, thanks to his solid free throw strike (15-for-17) and limited three-point attempts (1-for-8).
While Maynor thrived in Williams’ absence, he has the five-year veteran to thank for his relatively smooth transition to the NBA.
“He helps me out a lot during practice and off the floor,” Maynor said of Williams. “He’s a good guy to be around and he’s one of the best point guards in the league. It’s great to learn from a guy like him.”
Because of how Williams has taken Maynor under his wing, the rookie hasn’t really been too shocked by anything he’s seen in the league -- aside from the increased intensity.
“Nothing really,” the rookie said of any surprises on the floor. “Things just got turned up from the preseason. I’ve got to get used to the intensity level, but I’m learning more and more everyday.”
There is absolutely a place in the league for guys to play behind All-Star caliber point guards, but Maynor, who averaged 22.4 points and 6.2 assists during his senior year at VCU, has the chance to be much more.
He’s very comfortable in his own skin and eager to learn on the job. Back to the Boston game, in which he played what was then a career-high 15 minutes, Maynor didn’t blink an eye when taking the court against a Celtics’ lineup that consists of several first ballot Hall of Famers.
He drove to the basket and scored on a driving layup just eight seconds after checking into the game. After a missed jumper and two turnovers, Maynor next earned an extended run in garbage time.
Carlos Boozer dunked and Andrei Kirilenko hit a three-pointer on passes from Maynor within a minute of one another. The remainder of his scoring came on a pair of drives – a running jumper and another layup. He finished the game with four missed jump shots, feeding his critics, adding four assists and two miscues.
When he scored a career-high 24 points on Nov. 14 against the Cleveland, Maynor thrived in penetration once again. He drilled three midrange jumpers, but 12 of his points (he went 6-for-7 from the foul line) came on layups and driving attempts.
If Maynor can consistently hit 18-foot jumpers and drive to the basket with ease as he has, he has the tools in Utah, namely a stud in Williams and savant in Sloan, to become a very good player. Perhaps even a star in a league driven by celestials.
“It’s great to play for a Hall of Fame coach,” said Maynor. “He’s tough on guys, but he’s going to get the best out of you everyday.”
Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com. You can also follow Andrew on Twitter: APerna7. |
