DONUT 1: 1-ON-1 WITH BROEKHOFF

The Dallas Mavericks this week signed Australian 3-and-D man Ryan Broekhoff to a reported two-year, $2.4 million deal, with the first year of the deal being guaranteed. The 6-7 wing has spent the last five seasons playing professional basketball in Europe. Last season for Lokomotiv Kuban, Broekhoff averaged 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in a little over 26 minutes per contest. Broekhoff shot a very impressive 55 percent from the field on seven field-goal attempts per game. He also shot a little over 50 percent on his 3-point shots, averaging five attempts per game, making him one of the top marksmen around.

The Mavs think he can possibly take the role of the departed Doug McDermott, and are hopeful he can be a rotation guy.

Fresh off agreeing to his new deal with the Mavs, Broekhoff took some time out of his busy schedule to talk with me about a variety of topics in order to let the fans learn more about him. From his initial reaction to becoming an NBA player, to talking about playing with his new teammates, to being proud of being the next Aussie in line to enter the league, it’s all right here at DallasBasketball.com.

DONUT 2: INITIAL REACTION

Dalton Trigg: First off, congratulations on your new 2-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. I know you’ve worked extremely hard to get to this point. What were your initial thoughts when you found out you were going to be a Maverick?

Ryan Broekhoff: "Thank you very much. I am very excited. When I first found out I was going to be a Maverick, I was in shock. I was so happy to finally be a NBA player, but even today it hasn't sunk in properly.''

DONUT 3: SELF-SCOUTING

DT: In your own words, how would you describe your game for those who may not be familiar with it?

Broekhoff: "My game is based off hard work. I play defense, dive for loose balls, fight for rebounds and can shoot the 3-ball really well. Basically anything to help the team win.''

DONUT 4: THE TRANSITION

DT: How do you see your game transitioning to the NBA?

Broekhoff: "I think my experience overseas for 5 years and with the Australian national team will allow me to transition quickly to the NBA game.''

DONUT 5: ROOKIE GOALS

DT: I know becoming a Maverick/NBA player is still fresh on your mind, but what are some of your goals heading into your rookie season?

Broekhoff: "My only goal for my rookie season is to help the team win. That's what is most important to me and I hope that I can be a solid contributor on the court.''

DONUT 6: HIS ROLE

DT: What do you see your immediate role being for this team?

Broekhoff: "I think immediately I can bring 3-point shooting and defense when I step on the court. Help spread the defense to allow guys like Doncic, Dirk, Smith Jr. to do what they do best with the ball.''

DONUT 7: SCOUTING HIS NEW MATES

DT: Now that you are teammates with Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Smith Jr. and the recently added guys, Luka Doncic and DeAndre Jordan, what are your initial thoughts on getting to play with them?

Broekhoff: "I am really excited to play with those guys. I have been a huge fan of Dirk since I was a kid, so playing with him will be awesome. Doncic, I got to see closely over in Europe. I think he has amazing potential, and hopefully I will be on the receiving end of his passes. DeAndre, I played against at the Olympics and he is a beast. And Smith Jr. is one of the most exciting young players in the league. It is going to be fun.''

DONUT 8: CHECK YOUR MESSAGES

DT: Speaking of teammates, has anyone on the team reached out to you personally yet?

Broekhoff: "I have spoken to a few of the coaches already, and I'm sure I will get in touch with some players soon. My family and friends have been messaging me nonstop, so haven't really had time to check my messages.''

DONUT 9: THE AUSSIE CONNECTION

DT: How does it feel to now be a part of the exclusive group of Aussie players in the NBA — a group that currently includes players like Joe Ingles, Patty Mills, Andrew Bogut and others?

Broekhoff: "To be a part of the NBA and join some amazing Aussies in the league is a dream come true. Looking forward to competing against them. They really helped pave the way for me to make my way to the NBA.''

DONUT 10: VEGAS PLANS

DT: DallasBasketball.com reported that you’ll be with the Mavs for the Las Vegas Summer League. Do you have plans to play any there? Or is this just more of a “get to know the guys” thing?

Broekhoff: "I plan to go to Summer League to meet face-to-face with the coaches and players. To start building bonds and friendships that will help us during the long NBA season.''

(Dallas lost Game 1 in Summer League to the Suns on Friday. A full report here.)

DONUT 11: 'ROWDY'?!

DT: It’s been brought to my attention in the last 24 hours that your nickname is “Rowdy.” What’s the meaning behind that nickname?

Broekhoff: "The nickname 'Rowdy' is something I got from an old coach, coach Neil Williams. I was a very shy and quite kid. When playing basketball, I wasn't talking on defense, so my coach said that I have to be loud, to get rowdy. Then he goes, “You know what, I am going to call you Rowdy from now on,” and it has been with me since.''

DONUT 12: THE FINAL WORD

DT: Lastly, what excites you the most about getting a chance to play in the city of Dallas?

Broekhoff: "I'm excited to get to Dallas. It's a city I have never been to, but I hear it's amazing. I hear the fans are amazing, and it's a great place to live.''