Facundo Campazzo, the Mavericks' new signing, talked about the background of his move to Dallas, and how Luka Doncic offered to help him adjust to a new environment. 

Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Credit Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Facundo Campazzo's arrival in Dallas confirmed his intention to chase his luck in the NBA despite the 'sirens' that were hoping to lure him to go back to Europe. 

The 31-year-old former Real Madrid point guard spoke to The Dallas Morning News about how he came to Texas, his relationship with Luka Doncic and what he thinks he can offer Mavs' coach Jason Kidd in the playing time he's going to get.

Although he's far from an important piece of the rotation at the moment, Campazzo hopes to have a greater role, and help the team.

"I was in Argentina, waiting for an offer," the two-time EuroLeague champ recalled.

"I was close to returning to Europe because there was no offer from the NBA, but I wanted to wait a bit to have the opportunity to play here", the Argentinian player clarified.

"I practiced with Argentina NT, they helped me a lot," he continued. "But when the offer from Dallas came, I didn't even think about it. I was in Argentina and my family said that we are moving to Dallas", explained Campazzo.

"It was a Thursday and they asked me to travel on Friday. I asked them for more time and on Saturday, I traveled and crashed in a hotel", the new Dallas Mavericks player said.

The Argentine couldn't make Mavs' training camp, so he had to make an extra effort to be part of the squad.

"I tried to integrate as quickly as possible. I studied how my teammates play. I try to bring energy, I'm the new guy. The staff, the coach, everyone is helping me a lot," he pointed out. 

Upon signing with Dallas, Campazzo had mentioned Luka Doncic as his point of reference. The Slovenian star played three years alongside Campazzo at Real Madrid (2015-18), and the two get along really well. 

"He speaks Spanish, and that to me is incredible. When I arrived, he asked if I, my wife or my family need anything - a car, a room, a house," Campazzo continued.

He also revealed a lesser-known side of Doncic's personality.

"Luka is funnier than when I played with him. He's still a young boy, playing basketball with a smile on his face. Every time you play alongside him, you're a better player," Campazzo responded.

"Being next to him makes me remember those moments," the former Denver Nuggets guard concluded. 

Comments:
We want to hear from you. Be the first to comment!
Thank you for reporting a comment

Add comment

We have the right to remove comments which are offensive, contains abusive language, or violates other rules of the website

2-pointers this season

59%
27,1
Points made: 27,1
Accuracy: 59,1%
Place in standings: 23
Record max: 31
Record min: 21
Most made 2FGs: Luka Doncic