Rookie Ryan Nembhard is seizing opportunity, dazzling the Mavericks with composure and playmaking, forcing a serious rotation rethink.
Ryan Nembhard arrived at Dallas Mavericks training camp hoping to stick around. Four preseason games later, he’s made a strong argument to do just that.
The undrafted guard out of Gonzaga has quickly impressed Dallas with his composure, playmaking, and ability to control pace. Signed to a two-way deal in July, Nembhard has shown the kind of polish rarely seen from a first-year player.
Head coach Jason Kidd said the 22-year-old has “made a case” to earn early-season minutes.
“We’re going to continue because we’re getting healthy here,” Kidd said. “With Brandon Williams available, there are different combinations. Ryan could easily be in that rotation — he’s made a case for that. He’s on a two-way, so there are a lot of positive stories here. We have some time to make decisions, so we’ll see by the 21st who’s sturdy and how the rotation will look.”
With Kyrie Irving, Danté Exum, and Williams each sidelined during stretches of the preseason, Nembhard was thrust into a larger role running the offense — and thrived in it. He averaged 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 44.4% from the field and 40% from three. His 20 assists to just two turnovers ranked among the best marks for any rookie this fall.
“He is steady,” Kidd said. “He understands how to play the game. Ryan is a point guard who sets the table. Even when we talk about misses, we’re getting great looks with him running the show. He gets us organized, and our pace doesn’t drop off when he’s at the point guard.”
Nembhard’s most complete outing came on Oct. 13 in Utah, where he recorded 12 assists and just one turnover in 26 minutes. He also contributed five points and four assists in Dallas’ preseason finale against the Lakers on Oct. 15.
For Nembhard, the adjustment has been about adapting to the Mavericks’ pace and spacing.
“Just to get some experience — experience in these games at this level, with these guys, and show the coaching staff and the organization what I can do,” Nembhard said. “There’s a lot more space on the floor, and our offense has a lot of cutting and good actions in it, so there’s room to make plays.”
After leading all of college basketball in assists as a senior at Gonzaga, Nembhard’s playmaking instincts have carried over seamlessly. Whether he opens the season with Dallas or its G League affiliate, his preseason showing has made one thing clear — he’s already earned the staff’s trust.