DALLAS -- O.J. Mayo has arrived in Dallas with a lot to prove.

Mayo, who signed a two-year contract with the Mavericks on Thursday, didn't develop into the franchise cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies many expected him to be after he was the third overall pick in the 2008 draft and the runner-up to Chicago's Derrick Rose in Rookie of the Year voting.

His statistics dropped significantly the past two seasons, when he transitioned into a sixth-man role for the Grizzlies.

Mayo, who confirmed that his contract includes a player option for the second year, looks forward to a fresh start with a remodeled team that he believes will contend for a title this season.

"I think I'm a better player now than coming in (as a rookie)," Mayo said. "Even though the stats don't show it, I'm mentally and physically a better player. I'm just looking forward to going out there and getting the opportunity to show that I'm a starting guard in this league and I can compete with the other starting guards in this league and compete at a high level."