Dallas Mavericks: Ray Spalding ready to make the most of opportunity

Hoops Habit recently caught up with Dallas Mavericks second round pick Ray Spalding.

Ray Spalding was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers (on behalf of the Dallas Mavericks as part of a trade) with the 56th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. While his name appeared on some mock drafts, there was no guarantee the big man would get drafted. Seeing his name come across the screen was a “surreal” moment for him and his family.

In fact, he did not even get to hear his name called, because the 2018 NBA Draft coverage went to commercial break during the podium announcement. This was a symbolic moment for him, as it would only add more fuel to the fire.

"“It went on commercial when they called my name, but it’ll just add more motivation. I have appreciation for the 76ers and Mavericks.”"

He entered the NBA Summer League being the most recent draft pick from the University of Louisville since Donovan Mitchell. Seeing what Mitchell did this past season as the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award didn’t surprise Spalding. He watched Mitchell work in college and applied that same work ethic to his game.

"“He’s my boy, we came in together. He put a lot of work in, every day he was there.”"

They both considered leaving after the 2016-17 season, but only Mitchell left.

"“We didn’t have the opportunity to leave together, we talked about it that summer when I thought about leaving or staying.”"

Going into NBA Summer League the 6-10 big man felt he could display much more than he could at Louisville. Playing for a great program like Louisville doesn’t always highlight the individual talents of a player.

"“I look forward to showing my ability to guard guards, shoot the ball and pass the ball. I wasn’t able to show that before, but I’ve worked on that a lot.”"

In addition to the skills Spalding hopes to showcase, he is confident in his ability to help the Mavericks as an organization right now. He played three full seasons at Louisville, and this past season averaged 12.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.

"“I think I can show them my basketball IQ. I rebound hard, I play hard, and I can be a good teammate.”"

After being a veteran at Louisville this past season, Spalding now moves back into the freshman role as a rookie. A rookie in the NBA has to do a lot in order to have a prolonged career in the NBA. Something that he is looking to take very seriously is his body.

"“Here in Dallas I am getting the opportunity to be a roster player. I definitely want to work on my body, there are a lot of people looking forward to me getting into the weight room. I weigh 226, I am trying to get to 230-235.”"

Being a rookie means he will be playing against some of the game’s best for the first time. While he won’t be starstruck, there are definitely a few players he is looking forward to go up against.

"“Anthony Davis, Rudy Gay, LeBron James, those are some of the guys I look forward to playing.”"

The Mavericks have an interesting roster for the upcoming season, with plenty of young talent but also a large veteran presence. The biggest veteran presence outside of Dirk Nowitzki may be head coach Rick Carlisle. He is arguably a top-five NBA head coach.

"“After the draft I talked to him. He seemed like a good guy and I got to workout for him.”"

After a strong showing at NBA Summer League where Spalding averaged 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals in only 17.1 minutes per game, he impressed a lot of pundits. While that’s impressive, his best attributes come off the court, because he is as humble as a player there is.

"“It’s a blessing to even be mentioned with the Dallas Mavericks, or any NBA program.”"

His appreciation didn’t stop there.

"“It hasn’t hit me yet. I am a Dallas Mavericks NBA player. It hasn’t hit me. It will really hit me. It will really hit me after I sign that contract. I am enjoying the process, I am enjoying getting better.”"

After officially signing his contract, Spalding is poised to have an impressive rookie campaign playing for a great organization like the Mavericks. However, there was one more thing he wanted to share outside of the game of basketball.

Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

"“Some people might question my love for the game. I love basketball, I love my family and I look forward to the opportunity. I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way.”"