Mavericks’ Nembhard Aims to Make His Mark in the NBA

Dallas, Texas — Ryan Nembhard, a 22-year-old guard for the Dallas Mavericks, is ready to leave his mark in the NBA. With his first regular-season game approaching on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs, Nembhard feels the weight of comparisons to Mavericks legends J.J. Barea and Jalen Brunson.

‘Those guys are great. I watch those guys and want to take things from them, but I also just kind of want to do my own thing,’ Nembhard said. Despite leading the nation with an average of 9.8 assists last season at Gonzaga, Nembhard went undrafted but secured a two-way contract with the Mavericks.

In preseason, Nembhard’s performance has been impressive, averaging five assists, which has drawn the attention of head coach Jason Kidd. Kidd acknowledged, ‘Ryan is a point guard who has set the table in the games that we have put him in a different rotation spot.’ With injuries sidelining fellow guards Dante Exum and Brandon Williams, Nembhard has made a strong case for a spot in the Mavericks’ rotation.

Though Kidd is likely to go with either D’Angelo Russell or Flagg as the starting point guard, he appreciates Nembhard’s steady play and how he keeps the team’s pace intact. ‘He’s had success finding guys. Even when we talk about misses, we’re getting great looks with him running the show,’ Kidd added.

Like Barea, who also began as an undrafted player, Nembhard is determined to carve out his niche. Kidd, himself a former point guard, sees similarities but notes the difference in their playing styles: ‘J.J. never passed the ball,’ he joked, then added, ‘Ryan can score in this league and has shown that, but we’re asking him to set the table.’

Nembhard’s basketball skills are rooted in his upbringing in Ontario, Canada. His older brother, Andrew Nembhard, a standout at Montverde Academy who played for Gonzaga, is currently with the Indiana Pacers. Ryan credits his brother for his influence, saying, “I’ve learned a lot from him my whole life.’

After enjoying a productive college career, Nembhard improved his shooting touch, raising his 3-point shooting percentage from 32.1% as a junior to 40.4% as a senior. ‘I think my scoring is definitely a little underrated,’ he stated.

As a two-way player, Nembhard’s availability is limited to 50 NBA games this season. He understands that his minutes will depend on matchups and the health of others on the team. Nembhard is also eager to learn from teammate Kyrie Irving, regarding him as a ‘great leader.’ ‘I can’t wait to pick his brain even more,’ he said.

With his journey just beginning, Nembhard knows the importance of proving himself on the court. ‘I’ve still got to go out and perform and show that I can actually play in the rotation,’ he said. ‘I’m excited for the opportunity that I have and the situation that I’m in. And I’m looking to take full advantage.’