Darrick Martin

Point guard Darrick Martin had to laugh when asked if he had ever made a team before with one hand.

Martin fractured his right (non-shooting) hand Oct. 2, the opening day of training camp. Before Tuesday's season opener against Detroit, Martin said he had 10 more days of rehabilitation remaining before he can engage in full- contact workouts.

"I'm anxious to get out there and play with the guys," Martin said. "I was hoping I was going to be able to stay here, because I think this is going to be a good situation for me."

The Mavericks signed Martin to a one-year, $590,850 contract on Aug. 2. Without playing one preseason game or going through a full practice, Martin beat out Khalid El-Amin for the third point-guard spot.

Despite not being able to go through any contact workouts, Martin was on the court every day working in as much of his game as possible and learning as much of coach Don Nelson's system as possible.

"I love to play this game," Martin said. "If I were to play this game for a dollar, I'd do it."