Ryan Nembhard, the Dallas Mavericks’ newest guard, is quickly gaining respect as the team’s smallest player. At just 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 180 pounds, Nembhard has drawn comparisons to notable Mavericks alumni like J.J. Barea and Jalen Brunson. Both players significantly impacted the franchise, with Barea helping the team win the NBA championship in 2011 and Brunson reaching the conference finals before becoming an All-Star.
Making His Mark
Although Nembhard has yet to play in a regular-season game, he is determined to carve out his own identity in the NBA. “I’m just looking to make my own impact on this league, on this team,” he stated, acknowledging the influence of previous Mavericks players. As a standout at Gonzaga, he led the nation with an impressive average of 9.8 assists last season. Despite these accolades, he was not drafted and subsequently signed a two-way contract with Dallas.
Strong Preseason Performance
Nembhard has demonstrated his potential during the preseason, averaging five assists per game, the best on the team. His performance comes at a crucial time as fellow guards Dante Exum and Brandon Williams face injury challenges. Coach Jason Kidd has mentioned that Nembhard has made a convincing case to be included in the team’s playing rotation.
Learning from the Best
Nembhard’s basketball journey began in Ontario, Canada, where he grew up in a basketball-centric family. His older brother, Andrew Nembhard, is also a professional player in the NBA. “I’ve learned a lot from him my whole life,” Ryan shared. He has followed a similar path, playing at Montverde Academy, then transferring to Creighton and Gonzaga.
- Age: 22 years old
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 180 lbs
- College: Gonzaga
- NBA Draft Status: Undrafted
Coaching Praise and Future Goals
Coach Kidd has commended Nembhard for his steady presence and ability to facilitate plays. “He’s had success finding guys,” Kidd remarked, emphasizing Nembhard’s impressive basketball IQ. Nembhard aims to take advantage of his NBA journey, eager to prove his worth.
With the season opener approaching, Nembhard looks forward to showcasing his skills. The Mavericks will face the San Antonio Spurs, where all eyes will also be on notable draft picks such as Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper.
What Lies Ahead
Nembhard is set to be part of a two-way contract, limiting him to 50 NBA games, while also splitting time with the Texas Legends in the G League. As he prepares for the upcoming season, he aims to absorb knowledge from veterans like Kyrie Irving and enhance his game further.
Ultimately, Nembhard is ready to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead, staying focused on performance and growth as he embarks on his professional basketball career.
