The Sebastian Express wrote:Matthews probably has more heart and motor than Mayo, but not skill/talent.
it's a wash statistically in most areas. Mayo averages more assists, but also more turnovers. Matthews has better efficiency. They score at about the same rates. And that's all based upon this season when Mayo had a career year. Historically, Matthews is better
but Synergy develops some interesting in-depth stats
on offense, Matthews averages 1.02 points/possession. That ranks 40th in the NBA among all players. Mayo averages 0.94 points/possession. That only ranks 154th in the NBA. 40th vs 154th. Mayo is a little better in isolation because of his better handles. But Matthews is better in P&R, spot-up, and off-screen...the team game
on defense, it's an even bigger gap then on offense. Matthews gives up 0.82 points/possession. That ranks 92nd in the league. Meanwhile, Mayo gives up 0.91 points/possession. That ranks 309th in the league. For chrissakes, 308 NBA players did better then Mayo. Eric Maynor gave up 0.88 points/possession as a Blazer and he sucked on defense. And Mayo had the benefit of playing on a much better defensive team then Portland
in other words, Matthews was significantly better on the offensive end while crushing Mayo on defense. And, as you say, he has more "heart & motor". And he's a great locker room presence and a glue guy. The character thing. That has significant value and it's never been a Mayo strength
I repeat, Matthews IS better then Mayo