Early returns on O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook

The three top college hoopsters in L.A. last season were O.J. Mayo (USC), Russell Westbrook (UCLA) and Kevin Love (UCLA). That might not be your personal pecking order, but that's the order they went during June's NBA draft at picks three, four and five, respectively.

After the first week of play in the NBA's exhibition season, Mayo (now with Memphis) Westbrook (Oklahoma City) and Love (Minnesota) have shown flashes of talent, and, yes, some rookie goofs.

Mayo is shooting two for 14 from the three-point range, but he's only averaged two turnovers a game, despite playing an average of 32 minutes. Westbrook is shooting 33.3% from the field but is averaging 14.7 points. And Love, considered the best passser, by far, of the bunch, is averaging only one assist, but he is shooting 48.1% from the field.

Through three exhibition games, here are their stats.

Mayo         32 mins.,  34.1 FG%,  2-14 3P, 42.9 FT%,  2.3 Reb.,  1.7 Asst.,  2.0 TO,  11.0 Points.

Westbrook 24 mins.,  33.3 FG%,  0-2 3P,  72.7 FT%,  3.3 Reb.,   2.3 Asst.,  4.3 TO,  14.7 Points.

Love          25 mins.,  48.1 FG%, 2-5 3P,  80.0 FT%,  6.3 Reb.,  1.0 Asst.,   2.3 TO, 10.7 Points.

-- Barry Stavro

Photo: Minnesota Timberwolves rookie forward Kevin Love, left, pulls down a rebound in front of Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 118-95 victory in an exhibition in Denver on Friday. Credit: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Comments

[lxg]

Love will be the impact player during the first season because of his strong fundamentals. His shot selection is superb, thus the high percentage in the pre-season. Passing is more of a team dynamic. Thus, his passing will flourish, as the team gels and plays become second nature. Mayo is supposed to hit 3-point shots, as that is one reason he was taken. He will be a good player, but not the impact of top tier NBA stars. Westbrook was somewhat overrated, but should be a solid journeyman in the NBA. I look for him to be with numerous teams over the next several years.

[Vin]

So who's the impact player now? Love is on the bench after getting the opportunity to start and he couldn't deliver. Mayo is averaging 20 ppg and has supplanted Rudy Gay as the go-to-guy on the Grizzlies.

Even if the Wolves got rid of some salary, it looks like Mayo might end up being a flat out stud.