Gal Mekel passed up interest from three other NBA teams to sign a deal with the Dallas Mavericks and is hoping to have a long run with the organization.

"They were very serious from the beginning," Mekel said. "They gave me the feeling that they really believed in me and saw me as part of the team for a long time. I like this place, it's a great organization, people are very warm, really great people, and for me it's very important to feel this from the beginning.

"I'm very happy with my decision. I hope I will get a footprint in this team for a long time."

Mekel played for the Mavericks' summer league team, then elected not to play for the Israeli national team this offseason.