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Eric Maynor
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Eric Maynor
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Eric Demarqua Maynor (born June 11, 1987) is an American former professional basketball player and current assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for Virginia Commonwealth University. As a senior, he averaged 22.4 points, 6.2 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game in the 2008–09 season.

Key Information

Maynor was drafted by the Utah Jazz of the NBA in 2009. He has also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.

Early years

[edit]

Eric Demarqua Maynor was born June 11, 1987, in Raeford, North Carolina, the third of four children of George Maynor and Barbara Robinson.[1] Maynor's father was a former collegiate basketball player at East Carolina University and was a fourth-round selection of the Chicago Bulls in the 1979 NBA draft.[1]

High school career

[edit]

Maynor began at Hoke County High School in Raeford, then transferred to Westover High School in neighboring Fayetteville for his senior year to play alongside his friend and AAU teammate De'shaune Griffin.[2] Maynor led the team to the North Carolina state championship game, scoring 25 points in a loss to North Mecklenburg High School on March 14, 2005.[3] For his outstanding performance during the season Maynor was named to the 2004/05 North Carolina All State Basketball team by the sports website NCPreps.com.[4]

College career

[edit]

Eric Maynor was a four-year player in the men's basketball program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He graduated from VCU with a degree in Sports Management.[1]

Freshman season (2005–06)

[edit]

Maynor played in 29 games as a freshman at VCU, cracking the team's starting lineup by the end of the season.[1] Maynor averaged 4.7 points and 2.2 assists in an average of 15.7 minutes per game during this first collegiate campaign.[1]

Sophomore season (2006–07)

[edit]

On March 15, 2007, Maynor scored 22 points, including the game-winning shot, in VCU's victory over Duke in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. Maynor's last-minute heroics are also what helped VCU to overcome George Mason in the 2007 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championship game.

Over the summer of 2007, Maynor was selected to represent the United States in the Pan American Games, alongside D. J. White and Michael Beasley.[1] Maynor was only able to play two games for the American Pan-Am team, however, before he was forced from further action by a hip injury.[1] Maynor was also named one of the 50 pre-season candidates for the men's 2007–08 John R. Wooden Award, the nation's most prestigious college basketball honor.[1]

Junior season (2007–08)

[edit]

Maynor helped VCU win the CAA regular-season title, though the team fell in the semi-finals of the conference tournament to William & Mary. He was selected as the CAA Player of the Year and selected to the All-CAA first team.[5] The Rams failed to reach the NCAA Tournament and went on to play in the NIT, where they lost in the first round against the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Senior season (2008–09)

[edit]

During the 2008–09 season, Eric Maynor became VCU's all-time leader in assists[6] and in made free throws.[6] On February 28, 2009, Maynor became the leading scorer in VCU history with a floater against Georgia State. As of March 10, 2009, he had scored a school record 1,929 points. Maynor also led VCU to a second CAA title during his career, scoring 25 points in a 71–50 victory over George Mason on March 9, 2009, at the Richmond Coliseum. The Rams went on to the 2009 NCAA Tournament but lost to UCLA when Maynor missed a buzzer-beater to win the game.

Professional career

[edit]

NBA

[edit]

Utah Jazz (2009)

[edit]

Maynor was drafted 20th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2009 NBA draft.[7] He became the first VCU player ever selected in the first round of the NBA draft.[1]

Maynor signed a two-year contract with the Jazz on July 1, 2009, and made $1.3 million in his rookie season.[8] Although he was to back up Deron Williams, Maynor had a positive outlook on the situation. When asked in an interview with RealCollegeBasketball.com what he thought about coming off the bench in Utah, Maynor replied, "Feel real good about it... I'm getting a chance to learn from some of the best".[9]

Oklahoma City Thunder (2009–2013)

[edit]

On December 22, 2009, Maynor, along with Matt Harpring, was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the rights to Peter Fehse.[10] According to a statement made by Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor at the time of the deal, the trade of Maynor along with the $6.5 million contract of the injured power forward Harpring was made for financial reasons, in an effort to reduce the team's liability under the NBA's punitive "luxury tax" on teams with excessive salaries.[11]

"Trading Eric was a difficult decision," O'Connor acknowledged, while noting that the team remained strong at the point guard position with star Deron Williams and Ronnie Price as a capable and proven reserve player.[11]

Maynor wound up as the backup point guard on the young Thunder team behind the emerging superstar Russell Westbrook, drafted by the franchise as the #4 overall pick one year prior to Maynor coming into the NBA.

On January 7, 2012, the Thunder reported that Maynor had torn his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the fourth quarter of Oklahoma City's 98–95 win over the Houston Rockets and would miss the remainder of the season. Without Maynor the Thunder reached the 2012 NBA Finals, but lost in five games to the Miami Heat.

Portland Trail Blazers (2013)

[edit]

In a deal concluded just 30 minutes before the noon trade deadline on February 21, 2013, Maynor was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for the NBA rights to Georgios Printezis.[12] Maynor was averaging just 2.8 points and 2.0 assists in an average of about 10.6 minutes per game playing for the Thunder and had fallen to number three on the team's depth chart for point guards, with second-year player Reggie Jackson emerging to capture most of the team's backup PG minutes.[13] The Blazers were forced to waive reserve point guard Ronnie Price to make room on the team's 15-man roster for Maynor.[13]

Portland general manager Neil Olshey was effusive about Maynor's style of play and his fit for the club, calling Maynor "a great guy to run our second unit while being able to play with our starters."[12] Olshey noted that Maynor was known for making excellent decisions with the basketball while playing at a steady and reliable pace and offered the possibility that Maynor might potentially share time in the backcourt with Blazer rookie star Damian Lillard.[12]

Olshey expressed hope that Maynor would mesh well with the team and make a solid long-term addition to the roster, declaring:

"You don't make moves just for 28 games, but clearly there's going to be an evaluation curve for us where we're going to have to evaluate Eric, see how he fits in with our team, our style of play, our culture.... We'll see what kind of opportunities present themselves."[12]

Washington Wizards (2013–2014)

[edit]

On July 10, 2013, Maynor signed with the Washington Wizards.[14]

Philadelphia 76ers (2014)

[edit]

On February 20, 2014, Maynor was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a three-team trade involving the Nuggets and the Wizards.[15] On March 17, 2014, he was waived by the 76ers.[16]

Europe

[edit]

On January 14, 2015, Maynor signed a contract with Pallacanestro Varese of Italy for the rest of the 2014–15 Lega Basket Serie A season.[17]

On July 23, 2015, he signed a one-year contract with the Russian club Nizhny Novgorod.[18]

On July 27, 2016, Maynor returned to Pallacanestro Varese, signing a contract for the 2016–17 season.[19]

On November 20, 2017, Maynor signed with Italian club Orlandina Basket for the rest of the 2017–18 season.[20]

The Basketball Tournament

[edit]

In 2017, Maynor participated in The Basketball Tournament for Ram Nation, a team of VCU alumni. Maynor averaged 13.5 PPG, 7.3 APG, and 5.5 RPG to help Ram Nation reach the Elite 8. In the Elite 8, Ram Nation lost a close game to the eventual tournament champs, Overseas Elite. The Basketball Tournament is an annual $2 million winner-take-all tournament broadcast on ESPN.[21]

Coaching career

[edit]

In September 2019, Maynor was named assistant coach of the Oklahoma City Blue.[22]

In August 2021, Maynor was moved from the Blue staff to the Thunder as a player development coach.[23]

NBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2009–10 Utah 26 2 14.0 .391 .208 .758 1.5 3.1 .5 .1 5.2
2009–10 Oklahoma City 55 0 16.5 .434 .362 .692 1.7 3.4 .5 .1 4.5
2010–11 Oklahoma City 82 0 14.6 .402 .385 .729 1.5 2.9 .4 .1 4.2
2011–12 Oklahoma City 9 0 15.2 .359 .353 1.000 1.4 2.4 .6 .0 4.2
2012–13 Oklahoma City 37 0 10.6 .313 .326 .810 .5 2.0 .3 .0 2.8
2012–13 Portland 27 0 21.2 .422 .380 .683 1.0 4.0 .4 .0 6.9
2013–14 Washington 23 0 9.3 .292 .320 .667 1.0 1.7 .2 .0 2.3
2013–14 Philadelphia 8 0 14.0 .379 .333 .500 1.9 1.5 .5 .3 3.8
Career 267 2 14.6 .392 .350 .721 1.3 2.8 .4 .1 4.3

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2010 Oklahoma City 6 0 12.7 .300 .167 .818 1.5 1.5 .2 .2 3.7
2011 Oklahoma City 17 0 12.9 .377 .360 .789 1.3 2.2 .5 .0 4.8
Career 23 0 12.9 .361 .323 .800 1.3 2.0 .4 .0 4.5

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eric Maynor

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Eric Maynor (born June 11, 1987) is an American basketball coach and former professional player, best known for his tenure as a in the (NBA) and his standout college career at (VCU). Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 175 pounds, Maynor played high school basketball at Westover Senior High School in , before committing to VCU. Selected 20th overall in the first round of the by the , he appeared in 267 regular-season games over five NBA seasons with five teams, posting career averages of 4.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 39.2% from the field. Since 2021, Maynor has served as an assistant coach for player development with the , contributing to the team's staff through the 2025–26 season. At VCU from to 2009, Maynor emerged as a prolific scorer and playmaker, leading the to multiple Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) titles and earning recognition as the CAA Preseason Player of the Year in 2008. Over 130 games, he averaged 15.0 points and 5.3 assists per game, culminating in a senior season of 22.4 points and 6.2 assists that propelled him to the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,953 points. His clutch performances, including a game-winning shot in the 2007 CAA Tournament championship, helped VCU secure NCAA Tournament berths and established him as one of the conference's elite guards. Maynor's college success, marked by his high IQ and scoring efficiency, directly translated to his draft stock, positioning him as a reliable point guard prospect. Maynor's NBA career began promisingly with the Jazz in 2009–10, where he averaged 4.7 points and 3.3 assists in 81 games as a , but it was interrupted by a torn ACL in January 2012 while with the Thunder. He had been traded to in December 2010 and played a full 2010–11 season before the injury limited him to 9 regular-season appearances in 2011-12, causing him to miss the Thunder's run to the ; he had appeared in 17 playoff games the prior season en route to the Western Conference Finals. Subsequent stints with the (2012–13), (2013–14), and (2013–14) saw him provide veteran leadership and steady playmaking, with a career-high 24 points scored against the in 2009. Despite not earning individual awards, Maynor's role as a dependable reserve helped teams like the Thunder during their contention years. Transitioning to coaching, Maynor joined the Thunder's player development staff in 2021–22, focusing on skill enhancement for young talents amid the team's rebuild into a Western Conference powerhouse. By the 2024–25 season, he had advanced to a full assistant coach role, supporting in player growth initiatives that contributed to City's 68-win campaign, Western Conference top seed, and NBA championship win. His experience as a former has been instrumental in mentoring guards like , emphasizing fundamentals and decision-making in high-stakes situations. As of November 2025, Maynor remains a key member of the Thunder's staff, bridging his playing legacy with the franchise's ongoing success.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Eric Demarqua Maynor was born on June 11, 1987, in , a small town in Hoke County with a population under 5,000, known primarily for its turkey farming industry. He grew up one of five children to George Maynor and Barbara Johnson Maynor, in a modest environment near the North Raeford Trailer Park. His father, George, had pursued a career himself, playing at Hoke County High School before attending , where he earned a spot in the as the 72nd overall pick by the ; however, he was released after just two weeks in training camp and returned to Raeford to work as a corrections officer. Maynor's early interest in basketball was profoundly shaped by his family's athletic legacy and the local North Carolina environment, where the sport held a strong cultural presence. Starting at age six, he tagged along with older siblings, including brothers Tony and Rodney, to play on a makeshift dirt court fashioned from power line poles on Upchurch Street, honing his skills under streetlights until dark. His mother, Barbara, who juggled multiple jobs, played a pivotal role by driving him to practices and fostering his dedication, often recalling his assurances that "it’s going to pay off one day. Just believe. Just trust me." George Maynor instilled fundamentals and resilience in his children, drawing from his own experiences of being cut from the NBA, emphasizing education alongside and positioning Eric as a natural from a young age. This family-driven foundation continued through Maynor's formative years, as he participated in junior high pickup games with his father and brother, developing signature moves like a high-arching teardrop shot while working summer jobs for Raeford's parks department to stay immersed in sports. By 2005, he graduated from Westover Senior High School in nearby , setting the stage for his recruitment to programs.

High school career

Maynor began his high school basketball career at Hoke County High School in Raeford, North Carolina, where he played for three years before transferring to Westover High School in Fayetteville for his senior season. Following in the footsteps of his father, George Maynor, a point guard at East Carolina University in the 1970s, Eric developed his skills as a quick and crafty guard. During his junior year at Hoke County, Maynor demonstrated shooting prowess, connecting on 39% of his three-point attempts while emerging as a key contributor for the team. In his senior year at Westover, he elevated his game significantly, averaging 28.3 points per game, 1.7 steals per game, and shooting 36% from beyond the arc. His standout performances included a 40-point outburst (with 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks) in the 2005 East Regional Finals, helping propel Westover to the 4A state championship game, where he scored a team-high 25 points despite a narrow loss. For his efforts, Maynor earned all-state honors as one of 's top performers. Maynor's high school exploits drew interest from mid-major programs, including most teams in the Colonial Athletic Association and others outside the conference. He committed to on February 2, 2005, choosing the Rams for their fit with his playing style.

College career

Freshman season (2005–06)

Following a standout high school career at Westover Senior High School in , where he earned all-state honors, Eric Maynor committed to (VCU) in February 2005. He transitioned to as a freshman under head coach Jeff Capel, adapting to the Division I level as a reserve on a team featuring experienced upperclassmen. Maynor focused on learning the system's nuances, providing energy off the bench while developing his playmaking skills in limited minutes. In the 2005–06 season, Maynor appeared in 29 games for the , starting just four, and averaged 4.7 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 rebounds per game while playing 15.7 minutes. His shooting efficiency included a 43.0% , 20.0% from three-point range, and an impressive 82.9% from the free-throw line. These contributions marked a solid adjustment for a true , emphasizing ball-handling and perimeter defense in a reserve role that supported the team's up-tempo style. VCU concluded the year with a 19–10 overall record and an 11–7 mark in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play, finishing sixth in the conference standings. Maynor's notable performances included his debut on November 26, 2005, against , where he scored 2 points in 8 minutes off the bench. In an early conference game versus UNC Wilmington on December 4, 2005, he tallied 5 assists in 15 minutes despite scoring zero points. His season highlight came in the CAA Tournament against Hofstra on March 4, , recording a career-high 16 points and 5 assists in 35 minutes.

Sophomore season (2006–07)

Following his freshman season as a reserve guard, where he averaged 4.7 points and 2.2 assists per off the bench, Eric Maynor emerged as a full-time starter during the 2006–07 campaign under new head coach Anthony Grant, who had taken over after Jeff Capel's departure. Maynor's promotion to starting marked a significant step in his development, as he anchored the VCU Rams' backcourt and contributed to a dominant regular season in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Maynor's statistical output improved markedly, with season averages of 13.9 points, 6.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game across 35 appearances, starting 34. His playmaking prowess stood out, as he led the CAA in assists and ranked fifth nationally with 6.4 per game, while also bolstering the team's defense with his steals. These contributions helped propel VCU to a 26–5 regular-season record and a first-place finish in the CAA standings at 16–2. Maynor earned first-team All-CAA honors for his leadership and performance, becoming the only on the squad to receive such recognition that year. The , seeded first in the CAA Tournament, advanced to the championship game, where Maynor's efforts secured the title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. A highlight came in the NCAA first round on , 2007, when Maynor scored 22 points and hit a game-winning 17-foot jumper with 1.8 seconds left to upset No. 6 seed 79–77, advancing VCU to the second round for the first time since 1985.

Junior season (2007–08)

In his junior season, Eric Maynor emerged as the primary leader for the , building on his starting experience from the previous year to anchor the team's offense. He averaged 17.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and a league-high 5.5 assists per game over 32 appearances, all as starts, while shooting 45.9% from the field and 39.4% from three-point range. These figures solidified his reputation as the Colonial Athletic Association's (CAA) premier , where he ranked second in scoring at 17.8 and first in assists. Maynor's individual excellence earned him the CAA Player of the Year award, along with first-team All-CAA honors, recognizing his role as the conference's top performer. He scored in double figures in 26 of VCU's 29 regular-season games, including the final 13 consecutively, and surpassed 20 points on 12 occasions, demonstrating consistent offensive reliability. Under Maynor's guidance, VCU achieved a 24-8 overall record and a dominant 15-3 mark in CAA play, securing the regular-season conference championship for the second straight year. The earned a berth in the (NIT) as the automatic qualifier but fell in the first round to UAB, 80-77. Maynor delivered several signature performances, particularly against conference rivals. He tallied 26 points and 10 assists in a 78-68 win over Old Dominion on January 19, 2008, and followed with 25 points and eight assists in a narrow 67-66 loss to the same opponent on February 16. Earlier, he erupted for 25 points in a 65-45 rout of in-state rival Richmond on December 8, 2007, helping VCU assert early dominance. His season-high 30 points came against Bradley on December 22, 2007, in a 79-64 non-conference victory.

Senior season (2008–09)

In his senior season at Virginia Commonwealth University during 2008–09, Eric Maynor achieved career-high averages of 22.4 points, 6.2 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game while leading the Rams to a 24–10 overall record and a 14–4 mark in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play. The Rams shared the CAA regular-season championship. They won the CAA Tournament, defeating George Mason 71–50 in the championship game, to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to UCLA 65–64 in the first round. He became only the second player in CAA history to lead the conference in both scoring and assists in the same season, showcasing his versatility as a point guard who orchestrated the offense and provided elite scoring. Maynor earned his second consecutive CAA Player of the Year award, capping a college career that included three first-team All-CAA selections. Building on his prior accolades as a junior, these honors underscored his dominance within the conference. During the season, Maynor set VCU all-time records for career assists (651) and free throws made (511), while also becoming the program's leading scorer with 1,953 points. He graduated from VCU with a degree in sports management that spring. In recognition of his contributions, VCU retired his No. 3 jersey, honoring him among the program's elite.

Professional playing career

NBA career

Eric Maynor was selected by the with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the . During his brief rookie stint with the , he appeared in 26 games, averaging 5.5 points and 3.2 assists per game in 14.2 minutes off the bench as a . On December 22, 2009, the traded Maynor and forward to the in exchange for , allowing Maynor to join a rebuilding Thunder team needing backcourt depth. With the Thunder, Maynor solidified his role as a reliable backup to starter . In the 2009–10 season after the trade, he played 55 games for , contributing 4.7 points and 3.3 assists per game in 16.5 minutes, and appeared in six playoff games during the first round against the , averaging 3.7 points and 1.5 assists. His performance peaked in the 2010–11 season, where he appeared in 82 games (0 starts) with 4.2 points and 2.9 assists per game in 14.6 minutes, helping the Thunder reach the Western Conference Finals; he played 17 playoff games that year, averaging 4.8 points and 2.2 assists. However, his 2011–12 season was derailed by a torn (ACL) in his right knee, suffered on January 7, 2012, against the , limiting him to just nine games (4.2 points, 2.4 assists per game) and sidelining him for the remainder of the year and into recovery. The injury significantly impacted his mobility and role, as the Thunder advanced to the without him that postseason. Following the ACL tear, Maynor's production declined amid ongoing recovery. In the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season's remainder and into 2012–13, he averaged 3.4 points and 2.1 assists in 37 games for Oklahoma City before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on February 21, 2013, for the draft rights to Georgios Printezis; in 27 games with Portland, he provided bench scoring with 6.6 points and 3.9 assists per game in 20.8 minutes, though limited by lingering knee issues. As a free agent, he signed a two-year contract with the Washington Wizards in July 2013, appearing in 22 games with modest output of 2.5 points and 1.7 assists per game in 9.4 minutes. On February 20, 2014, the Wizards traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ish Smith, where he played nine games (3.3 points, 1.3 assists per game) before being waived at season's end, marking the conclusion of his NBA playing career. Over five NBA seasons, Maynor appeared in 267 regular-season games across five teams, averaging 4.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in 14.4 minutes, with career totals of 1,141 points and 740 assists. He also played 23 playoff games, averaging 4.7 points and 2.0 assists. The ACL injury in 2012 proved pivotal, shortening his peak years and contributing to reduced minutes and eventual departure from , as it hampered his quickness and decision-making on the court.

European career

Following his NBA career, which was hampered by multiple knee injuries including a torn right ACL in 2012, Eric Maynor transitioned to professional in during the 2014–15 season seeking a fresh start. Maynor signed with of the Italian in October 2014, where he quickly established himself as the starting . In 15 regular-season games, he averaged 13.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while playing 33.3 minutes, leading the league in both minutes played and assists per game. His playmaking ability helped reach the , though the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals. In July 2015, Maynor joined of the Russian and EuroCup. However, he suffered a torn left ACL in the season opener, limiting him to just one appearance in the VTB League (2 points, 1 assist in 6 minutes) and two games in the EuroCup (averaging 0.5 points in 3 minutes per game). The injury sidelined him for the entire 2015–16 season, marking another significant setback in his career. Maynor returned to Varese for the 2016–17 season, contributing to both the Serie A and the Basketball Champions League (BCL). In 29 Serie A games, he posted averages of 12.9 points and 5.5 assists in 29.9 minutes, ranking second in the league in total assists with 159. In the BCL, across 16 games, he averaged 8.9 points and 3.9 assists in 23.6 minutes, providing steady leadership as a veteran guard. For his final professional season in 2017–18, Maynor signed with (also known as Betaland Capo d'Orlando) in the . Appearing in 13 games, he averaged 8.5 points and 5.3 assists in 29.4 minutes, serving as a key facilitator despite the team's struggles near the bottom of the standings. Maynor retired from playing following the 2017–18 campaign at age 30, concluding a European tenure where he adapted to faster-paced international play and emphasized his assist-oriented style across 57 total games (averaging 12.0 points and 6.0 assists).

Coaching career

Oklahoma City Blue (2019–2021)

In September 2019, Eric Maynor was hired as an assistant coach for the , the affiliate of the , under head coach Grant Gibbs. The hiring, announced by Thunder general manager , came through the organization's former player coaching internship program, leveraging Maynor's prior experience as a with the Thunder from 2009 to 2013. Maynor's responsibilities focused on player development, particularly skill enhancement for young prospects, where he drew on his background as an NBA point guard to emphasize fundamentals like ball-handling, decision-making, and offensive orchestration. In this role, he supported the growth of G League talent aligned with the Thunder's rebuilding efforts, contributing to on-court training and strategic preparation for potential NBA transitions. During the 2019–20 season, the finished with a 20–22 record, placing eighth in the Western Conference amid a competitive league schedule. In the shortened 2020–21 bubble season due to the , they posted an 8–7 mark, again securing eighth in the Disney World conference. Maynor's work aided in developing players who earned NBA opportunities, including forward Kevin Hervey's call-up to the Thunder in December 2019. Maynor served two seasons with the before transitioning in June 2021 to a player development role on the 's NBA staff, marking his promotion within the organization.

Oklahoma City (2021–present)

In August 2021, Eric Maynor transitioned from the Oklahoma City to the 's staff as a player development coach, leveraging his prior G League experience as a foundation for his NBA-level role. By the 2023–24 season, he advanced to a full assistant coach position, marking his third consecutive year contributing directly to the 's NBA roster development. This progression allowed Maynor to apply his background as a former to high-level coaching responsibilities within the organization. Maynor's key contributions have centered on guard development, the refinement of offensive schemes, and targeted mentorship of star players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He has emphasized enhancing guards' versatility in offensive systems, helping players like Gilgeous-Alexander improve their scoring efficiency and playmaking under pressure. These efforts have bolstered the Thunder's backcourt dynamics, contributing to the team's overall offensive fluidity and adaptability during games. During the 2024–25 playoffs, Maynor played a pivotal role in the Thunder's championship run as an assistant coach, implementing strategies that highlighted guard-driven offensive versatility to navigate defensive challenges in key series. His work on player preparation and scheme adjustments supported the team's path to the NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers in seven games, securing the franchise's first title since relocation. The coaching staff, including Maynor, received recognition for fostering a cohesive unit that executed high-impact plays, with Gilgeous-Alexander earning Finals MVP honors amid Maynor's developmental influence. As of November 2025, Maynor remains an assistant coach, continuing to shape the Thunder's team culture through and innovative training approaches that prioritize long-term player growth and competitive edge. His tenure has positioned the organization for sustained success, with ongoing emphasis on building a dynasty around emerging talent.

Career statistics and records

NBA regular season

Eric Maynor's NBA regular season career spanned from 2009 to 2014, during which he served primarily as a backup for five teams, contributing steady playmaking and scoring in limited minutes. His per-game averages highlight his role as a , with career marks of 4.3 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 rebounds across 267 games. The following table summarizes Maynor's regular season per-game averages by season and team:
SeasonTeamGMPPTSASTTRBSTL
2009-10UTA2614.05.23.11.50.5
2009-10OKC5516.54.53.41.70.5
2010-11OKC8214.64.22.91.50.4
2011-12OKC915.24.22.41.40.6
2012-13OKC3710.62.82.00.50.3
2012-13POR2721.26.94.01.00.4
2013-14WAS239.32.31.71.00.2
2013-14814.03.81.51.90.5
Career26714.64.32.81.30.4
Note: Multi-team seasons (e.g., 2009-10, 2012-13, 2013-14) are split by team; career totals exclude two-team aggregates for per-game averages. In total, Maynor logged 3,896 minutes over his NBA regular season career, accumulating 1,141 points, 760 assists, 348 rebounds, and 111 steals, while shooting 39.2% from the field, 35.0% from three-point range, and 72.1% from the free-throw line. Maynor peaked in efficiency during his tenure from 2009 to 2011, averaging 4.2–4.5 points and 2.9–3.4 assists in up to 82 games with consistent 14–16 minutes per game, showcasing his value as a reliable bench option. His production declined thereafter due to injuries, including a torn ACL in January 2012 during the 2011-12 season that limited him to nine games that year, and reduced averages to 2.6 points and 1.7 assists across 31 appearances in 2013–14.

NBA playoffs

Maynor's NBA playoff career was marked by his role as a backup for the , providing depth during their early postseason runs in 2010 and 2011, though limited by injuries in subsequent years. He appeared in 23 total playoff games across two seasons, averaging 4.5 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game, often contributing steady ball-handling and occasional scoring bursts off the bench.

Playoff Appearances

Maynor's postseason opportunities were confined to the Thunder's 2010 and 2011 playoffs, as he suffered a torn ACL on January 8, 2012, during the regular season, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2011-12 campaign (after 9 games) during which OKC advanced to the , and he was traded to the in February 2013 before the Thunder's 2013 playoffs. In 2009–10, he played six games in the first-round loss to the , averaging 3.7 points and 1.5 assists in limited minutes. The following year, during OKC's run to the Western Conference Finals, Maynor featured in all 17 games against the , , and , posting season-best averages of 4.8 points and 2.2 assists per game.
SeasonTeamSeries ResultGPMPGPPGAPGRPG
2009–10OKCLost First Round (Lakers, 2–4)612.73.71.51.5
2010–11OKCLost Conf. Finals (, 1–4)1712.94.82.21.3
2011–12OKCDid Not Play (Injured)0————
2012–13OKCDid Not Play (Traded Pre-Playoffs)0————
Source: Basketball-Reference.com

Key Playoff Moments

In the 2010–11 first round against the Nuggets, Maynor emerged as a key bench contributor in Game 5, scoring 9 points to help OKC even the series. During the second-round series versus , he provided efficient scoring off the bench, including multiple first-quarter layups that exploited defensive gaps. His most notable contribution came in the Western Conference Finals against , where in Game 2, Maynor sparked an 11–0 bench run after Russell Westbrook's benching, finishing with 13 points in nearly 20 minutes to secure OKC's only series win.

Cumulative Playoff Totals

Over his 23 playoff games, all with the Thunder, Maynor totaled 104 points, 46 assists, 31 rebounds, 10 steals, and 21 turnovers, reflecting his bench status and the physical toll of postseason play that exacerbated his injury history. His limited minutes underscored a supporting role behind starter , yet his playoff efficiency—shooting 35.7% from the field and 33.3% from three—highlighted his value in high-pressure situations when called upon.

Awards and honors

As a player

Maynor earned all-state honors in North Carolina during his senior year at Westover High School in Fayetteville, where he averaged 28.3 points per game and led the team to the 4A state championship game. At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Maynor was recognized as the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year in both 2008 and 2009, becoming the first repeat winner since 2002–2003. He also earned first-team All-CAA selections for three consecutive seasons from 2007 to 2009, along with 2× CAA Tournament MVP (2007, 2009) and 3× CAA All-Tournament Team (2007–2009). These accolades highlighted his role as a dynamic point guard, where he averaged 15.0 points and 5.2 assists per game over his career, contributing to VCU's back-to-back CAA regular-season titles in 2007–08 and 2008–09. Maynor holds several VCU program records from his college tenure, including all-time leader in assists with 674 and made free throws with 453. In recognition of his impact, VCU retired his jersey, making him one of the program's most honored players. In his professional career, Maynor was selected by the as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the , marking VCU's first first-round selection since 1976. While he did not receive major NBA individual awards over his six-season career, his draft status and college achievements underscored his legacy as a skilled who transitioned successfully from mid-major basketball to the league.

As a coach

As an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Eric Maynor earned an NBA championship ring as part of the staff that led the team to its first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, defeating the Indiana Pacers 4–3 in the 2025 NBA Finals. Maynor's expertise in player development, honed during his tenure as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Blue from 2019 to 2021 and subsequently as a player development coach and assistant with the Thunder starting in 2021, played a pivotal role in nurturing the young roster that achieved this success. This championship victory stands as the primary honor for Maynor's coaching career to date, highlighting the impact of his work on the Thunder's emergent talent pipeline in both the G League and NBA levels.

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