The Dallas Mavericks had a relatively quiet offseason, and made their biggest addition through the draft. While their selection of Dennis Smith Jr. may be the most notable move they made, they also have another rookie ready to make an impact for them next season.

Johnathan Motley, who recently signed a two-way contract with the team (the first player in franchise history to sign such a deal.), is not set to be part of their lineup throughout the year, and will need to compete for a roster spot during training camp. However, he said he is determined to prove himself, and make the most of his opportunity, via Earl K. Sneed of Mavs.com.

“I take it as an opportunity,” Motley said last month shortly after signing his two-way contract with the team. “You know, any time you’re playing you’re getting better, so the more I can play I think the better it will be for me. Rick Carlisle at first just told me to do a lot of rebounding and a lot of rim running starting out, and a lot of making the mid-range shot type of stuff. And then later on we’ll talk about having the ball in my hands. But right now, it’s rim running, rebounding and making open shots.”

“That’s how a lot of people started,” he added. “You’ve got to start off where you get in at. The league is full of scorers. Yeah, I shouldered a lot of the scoring load at Baylor, but sometimes it’s a little bit different in the NBA. You’ve got to get adjusted to the game, coaches have got to have confidence in you, the staff has got to have confidence in you, and that could take years of just producing. So, if I produce over the years, maybe I could become a scorer like I was in college.”

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The Baylor product had an impressive three-year college career, but suffered a torn meniscus in his junior campaign, forcing him to end it abruptly. He went undrafted in last June’s draft, but was invited to be part of the team’s Orlando Summer League squad, playing limited, yet effective minutes for them. Motley produced 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 block per contest, providing a lot of energy and hustle for the Mavs.

Motley is expected to also appear in the team’s G-League affiliate, where he’ll receive more playing time to further improve his game. He remains optimistic about his chances of being a fixture in the Mavericks’ rotation someday, and already knows what he needs to work on to achieve it.