Mayo likes him some Manu

Memphis guard O.J. Mayo said that Ginobili was one of his favorite NBA playerswhen he came into the league and “hoped” he would be playing in Game 2 .

“He’s a great player, an All-Star. A terrific playmaker,” Mayo said. “I couldn’t wait to meet or play against him because he’s so versatile.”

Mayo has thrived in a similar rotational slot coming off the bench, making the connection stronger to a role that Ginobili played for the Spurs earlier in his career.

“He was kind of in my situation,” Mayo said. “He was in my situation where he was good enough to start, but Popovich thought it was better for him to come off the bench. He’s definitely my guy, one of my favorites.