Ryan Nembhard Is Forcing the Mavericks’ Hand - and That’s a Good Thing
The Dallas Mavericks may have entered this season with their eyes on one rookie, but they’re quickly realizing they’ve got a second one demanding just as much attention. Cooper Flagg has been the headline-maker - and rightfully so - but Ryan Nembhard? He’s the one quietly turning heads and, more importantly, changing games.
In their most recent outing, a fast-break alley-oop from Nembhard to Flagg wasn’t just a highlight - it was a snapshot of the chemistry these two young players are building. That kind of connection doesn’t usually come this early. But Nembhard’s feel for the game is already elevating everyone around him, and the Mavericks are starting to look like a different team when he’s on the floor.
Jason Kidd Sees It - and He’s Not Hiding It
After a win over the Denver Nuggets, head coach Jason Kidd didn’t mince words when praising Nembhard. And if you read between the lines, he didn’t have to say much about D’Angelo Russell to make his point loud and clear.
“He knows who he is, and that’s kind of refreshing,” Kidd said. “To have 10 assists as an undrafted rookie - that’s special, especially for this group. The big thing is, his teammates enjoy being out there with him because they know they have a chance of getting the ball.”
That’s not just praise. That’s a message.
Nembhard’s unselfishness, his ability to run the offense, and his connection with teammates are everything the Mavericks have been missing from the point guard spot. And Kidd knows it.
The Russell Conundrum
While Nembhard’s star is rising, D’Angelo Russell’s role is shrinking - fast. He’s been a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision) in two of the last three games, and it’s clear Kidd’s trust in the veteran is fading.
Russell was brought in to be a stabilizing force, a stopgap starter while Kyrie Irving recovers from his torn ACL. But instead of running the offense, he’s often hijacked it.
Too many possessions have ended with Russell calling his own number instead of setting the table for others. It’s not that he can’t pass - he just doesn’t always make the right one.
Nembhard, on the other hand, plays like a true floor general. He looks to make the right play, not just the flashy one. And that’s exactly what Kidd is leaning into.
A Rookie Making Noise - and Making the Most of It
Against Denver, Nembhard didn’t just look the part - he dominated. Twenty-eight points and 10 assists on 12-of-14 shooting?
That’s not just efficient; that’s surgical. And for a 5-foot-11 rookie on a two-way contract, it’s the kind of performance that demands attention.
He’s not just outperforming Russell - he’s outplaying everyone in the Mavericks’ point guard room, including Brandon Williams. While Williams and Russell often look to score first, Nembhard’s pass-first instincts are setting him apart. It’s not just about racking up assists - it’s about making the offense flow.
You can’t teach that kind of feel. And Kidd clearly knows it.
The Contract Situation: A Matter of Time
Here’s the catch - Nembhard is still on a two-way deal, which limits how many games he can play with the big club. There’s growing buzz around converting his contract to a standard NBA deal, but due to roster restrictions, Dallas can’t make that move until early January.
That likely means a tough decision is coming. Waiving Dante Exum would be the most straightforward path, but the front office, even after the departure of GM Nico Harrison, hasn’t made that move yet. Still, if Nembhard keeps this up, it’s going to be impossible to keep him off the floor - or off the full-time roster.
A Backcourt Future That’s Coming Into Focus
The Mavericks suddenly have something brewing. Cooper Flagg looks every bit the franchise cornerstone. And now, alongside him, Nembhard is emerging as the kind of glue guy every great team needs - a player who doesn’t just fill a role but elevates everyone else while doing it.
Russell may not have lived up to expectations, but that’s OK. The Mavericks needed someone to hold down the fort until Kyrie returns. Instead, they found a rookie who’s not just holding it down - he’s raising the bar.
Nembhard isn’t trying to be the star of the show. He’s playing the role the team needs - and playing it so well that it’s hard not to imagine a bigger spotlight in his future.
That’s the kind of player Jason Kidd wants. And it looks like he’s already found him.