The Dallas Mavericks have been seeking a reliable guard following the injury of superstar Kyrie Irving. The team has struggled, holding a record of 6-15 early in the 2024-25 season. However, a promising performance by undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard may signal a turning point.
Ryan Nembhard: Undrafted Rookie Shines in NBA Debut
Ryan Nembhard, the younger brother of Indiana Pacers’ guard Andrew Nembhard, signed with the Mavericks after going undrafted. He secured a two-way contract this summer and demonstrated his skills in the recent NBA games.
Career Highlights and Performance
In a game against the Miami Heat on November 24, Nembhard played nearly 17 minutes, marking his career high. He contributed 2 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds without committing a turnover, finishing the game with a plus-minus of +9.
Nembhard’s first start came against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 28, where he scored 17 points, alongside 4 assists and 2 rebounds. He achieved a shooting percentage of 63.6%, connecting on 7 of 11 attempts, including 3 of 5 from three-point range.
- NBA debut against Miami: 2 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds
- First start against Lakers: 17 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds
- Shooting stats: 7-of-11 from the field, 3-of-5 from three-point range
Building Momentum in the League
In the subsequent game against the LA Clippers, Nembhard again earned a start, contributing 8 points and 3 assists. In total, over his first eight NBA games, he averages 5.4 points and 2.9 assists in about 13.3 minutes of play.
Although question marks surrounded his size—standing at just 5-foot-11—his skills have emerged as key advantages. Nembhard excelled at Gonzaga, averaging 10.5 points and 9.8 assists during his senior year, shooting 44.6% from the field and 40.4% from three-point range.
Looking Forward
Nembhard’s early success in the NBA suggests he may continue to carve out a significant role with the Mavericks. With a commitment to improvement and a solid display of skill, he aims to help lift the team’s performance as they navigate the season.
