The Mavericks' plan is for their latest acquisition, O.J. Mayo, to start at shooting guard.

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"That’s a Rick (Carlisle) decision, but that’s the way it’s penciled in, and he can swing back and forth between (point guard) and (shooting guard)," Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said during Tuesday's appearance on the "Ben & Skin Show." "Look, O.J. will do whatever it takes to win and he proved that in Memphis, whether it’s starting or coming off the bench."

Mayo started his first two seasons with the Grizzlies and then was asked to become the sixth man so more defensive-minded shooting guard Tony Allen could start alongside point guard Mike Conley. In his last two seasons, Mayo came off the bench in 120 of 137 games.

He's been a more effective player as a starter. In 181 games started in his first two seasons after becoming the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 draft, Mayo averaged 37.8 minutes, 17.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He shot 44.4 percent from the floor and 38.6 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.

In 120 games as a reserve, he averaged 25.3 minutes, 11.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He shot 40.8 percent from the floor and 35.5 percent from beyond the arc.

With Mayo penciled in as the starter, Dahntay Jones and Rodrigue Beaubois figure to be next in line at shooting guard. Beaubois could also see time at point guard and things could change if Delonte West re-signs. Nelson said Mayo's signing does not rule out bring back West. Dallas has a $2.5 million "room" exception it can use.

"We’d love to have Delonte back," Nelson said. "Look, we’re not done. We’re continuing to kind of build the roster and put ourselves in position to contend next year."

With the backlog at shooting guard, Vince Carter could make a permanent switch to small forward behind Shawn Marion. Carter was effective last season while splitting time at shooting guard.