"The inconsequential game of three-on-three following Grizzlies practice Monday turned serious at times with spirited debates over every call imaginable.

There is no question that O.J. Mayo's competitive juices were flowing on the eve of his return from a 10-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy.

What's in doubt is just about everything else.

Mayo is eligible to play for the first time since Jan. 26 when the Griz host the Philadelphia 76ers tonight in FedExForum. He was banned for testing positive for the steroid precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) -- and the Grizzlies have had enhanced performances ever since.

Coach Lionel Hollins is now charged with trying to integrate Mayo into a Griz squad that settled on a rotation, an identity and won eight of 10 games without their most trusted reserve.

"It doesn't put coach in a bad situation, but it does," Mayo said. "I'm pretty sure he wants to see if I can come in and make shots, and help the team even more. But at the same time they're definitely playing real well without me. That's why he gets paid to coach."

There is plenty to consider about adding Mayo back into the Grizzlies' mix:

Does Mayo automatically assume his spot in the rotation?

Mayo isn't Xavier Henry (a rookie without status) or Jason Williams (a player in the twilight of his career). So it is conceivable that Mayo will be afforded more of an opportunity to contribute right away. That doesn't mean Mayo will replace Sam Young in the starting lineup or Tony Allen as the first swingman off the bench."