Finland's Petteri Koponen wants to begin NBA career in 2015

As the FIBA World Cup rolls on in Spain, Finland's Petteri Koponen has made it clear he wants to join the Dallas Mavericks when his contract with BC Khimki in Russia expires next year.

"I always said my dream is to play in the NBA," Koponen told Marc Stein of ESPN. "Every summer we talk a little bit with Dallas to see what the situation is and what they think."

The six-foot-four, 26-year-old point guard is averaging 6.5 assists and 13 points per game during the tournament.

"I've got one more year left on my contract in Russia and then of course I would like to come over," Koponen said. "I hope I get some options to go there and show I can play at that level."

Koponen was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2007 and believes he can make the jump next season.

"I feel I can do something there and I hope I get that chance someday," he said.