[Bryan88]

I think that the Knicks will have to trade up with the Wolves to secure Mayo, because I highly doubt he slips to 6th.

USC's O.J. Mayo works out for Knicks

O.J. Mayo and Mike D'Antoni have something in common. Other than the penchant for delivering an exciting offense - they're both from West Virginia. So, if he should slip to No.6 in the NBA Draft on June 26, the USC guard wouldn't mind the idea of joining his fellow Mountaineer at the Garden.

The Knicks conducted a pre-draft workout with Mayo on Thursday in Greenburgh. Afterward, Mayo said the workout went well and that he liked the concept of joining the Knicks' backcourt.

"Coach D'Antoni has an up-tempo offense, almost like a run-and-gun, so if you can run, shoot a little bit, you're going to do do pretty well," Mayo said. "Definitely if I have the opportunity to play for D'Antoni, I'm going to get a great chance to put up some shots and really get up and down."

The 6-5, 200-pound Mayo averaged 20.7 points per game in his freshman year at USC. If Mayo slides, the Knicks may be deciding between him and point guards such as Arizona's Jerryd Bayless and Indiana's Eric Gordon, who both worked out for the team on Tuesday.

At one point, Mayo was considered the third-best talent in the draft, but his stock may have dipped when news broke last month about him allegedly receiving improper funds and gifts in college. Mayo has adamantly denied the allegations, but they're still being investigated.

Mayo wouldn't mind the scrutiny of New York, knowing that on-the-court issues will be just as big as those off the hardwood.

"You're asking a young man to come into the Big Apple and fulfill big footsteps," Mayo said. "They have a great history with (Patrick) Ewing. It's going to take a lot, but at the same time, D'Antoni does a great job. He'll push the players in the preseason and as the season goes along, they'll get used to the system."