The story first broke by DallasBasketball.com is now official as the Dallas Mavericks have signed second-round pick and Las Vegas Summer League standout Ray Spalding to a four-year deal. The 6-10 jumping-jack forward from Louisville has officially taken the next step towards being a real NBA contributor with Spalding tapping into his “limitless potential,” as Mavs’ point guard Dennis Smith Jr. recently expressed to DallasBasketball.com.

As Spalding was on the brink of signing his new deal with the Mavs, he took some time to talk with me about what Summer League play was like for him, motivation by wearing the No. 56, “messing with” Smith Jr. and Dorian Finney-Smith about his age and more.

DBcom: What was the week like for you, getting to know the guys and play for the Mavs in Vegas?

Ray Spalding: "It’s was an extreme honor and blessing to have that opportunity and play with the group of guys I was able to build a relationship with and enjoyed playing under a new system with the Mavericks and their active staff, who were great coaches and individuals, in my opinion. When you grow up watching things like that on TV and then being able to perform in that activity ... it was wonderful.''

DBcom: How much does being selected at No. 56 motivate you? I’m sure it’s not a coincidence that you’re wearing the No. 56 on your jersey?

Spalding: "No sir, it’s not a coincidence at all and every time I see that number and think about how my draft night went it motivates me to work harder on my craft and understand there were 55 teams that counted me out.''

DBcom: Both Dennis Smith Jr. and Mavs staffer Mike Shedd have raved about your work ethic so far. Aside from being a really hard worker, what other things do you think you can bring to this Mavs team?

Spalding: "Everyone at this level I feel is a hard worker and they wouldn’t be at this level if they weren’t. So my real challenge is to continue working and learn how I can be a better pro everyday from a great organization like the Dallas Mavericks.''

DBcom: Just for clarification, when I (Dalton Trigg) was talking with Dennis recently, he said he was surprised to find out that you were actually younger than him. So, is it true that you are only 20 years old, or was there a miscommunication somewhere?

Spalding: "No sir, I just turned 21 in March and was messing with Dennis and Dorian Finney-Smith when we were talking amongst each other. They’re older than me when it comes to knowing the NBA game, so (to them) I’m 'Lil Bro' for now. But I’m catching up and looking forward to the learning process of the game that comes with being a professional.''

(Sidebar: Spalding isn't the only "lil' bro'' who has joined the Mavs. Get the goods on the Kostas Antetokounmpo deal here ... and the fun we're having at is relates to brother Giannis here.)

DBcom: Congratulations, Ray, and best of luck to you the rest of this summer and the upcoming season from all of us at DallasBasketball.com.

Ray Spalding: "Thank you, man. My pleasure. I appreciate the support, and (I’m) glad I was able to share with you.''