Ryan Nembhard Is Earning Jason Kidd’s Trust-And the Starting Job That Comes With It
It’s not hard to see why Jason Kidd is all-in on Ryan Nembhard. The rookie point guard has gone from being out of the rotation to running the Dallas Mavericks' offense in a matter of weeks, and he’s doing it with poise well beyond his years.
At the start of the season, Nembhard was coming off the bench-then, not long after, he wasn’t seeing the floor at all. Kidd leaned on more experienced options like Brandon Williams and D’Angelo Russell to run the point. For a moment, it looked like Nembhard might be on the outside looking in.
But everything changed after he returned from a left knee sprain in late November. In just his second game back, Kidd handed him the keys to the starting unit-and Nembhard hasn’t looked back since.
Kidd's Confidence in Nembhard Is Clear
Before Tuesday night’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Kidd didn’t mince words when asked about his young guard.
“He knows how to get guys the ball,” Kidd said. “There’s a trust… he understands how to play the game. He’s a basketball player, and guys like playing with him.”
That trust isn’t just coach-speak-it’s showing up on the court. Nembhard has now started the last 12 games, and in Tuesday’s win over Denver, he delivered again: 11 points, seven assists, just one turnover, and a +24 in his minutes. That’s the kind of performance that earns you staying power in a starting lineup.
A Floor General in a Scorer’s League
Nembhard’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s exactly what this Mavericks team needs. He’s not out there hunting shots-he’s out there orchestrating.
His mid-range jumper was on point against Denver, but more importantly, he made the right read nearly every trip down the floor. That seven-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio tells you everything you need to know about how he’s managing the offense.
In a league that increasingly values scoring guards, Nembhard is a bit of a throwback. He’s a true floor general-a pass-first point guard who makes life easier for everyone else.
And with the weapons Dallas has? That’s a huge deal.
Chemistry With Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis
One of the most exciting developments for Dallas is the growing connection between Nembhard and fellow rookie Cooper Flagg. The two are already developing a rhythm, with Nembhard finding Flagg for easy finishes inside and open threes on the wing. It’s early, but there’s something brewing between them that could be special.
Then there’s Anthony Davis. The 14-year veteran has thrived playing alongside Nembhard, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.
Nembhard’s timing and vision allow him to feed Davis in the right spots-whether it’s a bounce pass around the rim or a look-off dish for an open jumper. Davis isn’t just benefiting from Nembhard’s passing; he’s clearly enjoying playing with him.
And that’s the recurring theme here: everyone loves playing with Nembhard.
The Right Fit for Dallas’ First Unit
Dallas has no shortage of scorers and finishers. What they’ve needed is someone to set the table-and Nembhard is doing just that.
He manipulates defenses with his eyes, threads passes into tight windows, and keeps the offense flowing. Less than 20 games into his NBA career, he’s already the best passer on the roster.
That’s not just impressive-it’s rare.
Kidd has made it clear he sees something in Nembhard, and the Mavericks are expected to convert his two-way contract into a standard deal later this season. If he keeps playing like this, that move will be a no-brainer.
There’s still a long season ahead, but it’s not too early to say this: Jason Kidd might have found his point guard of the future. And he didn’t have to look very far to find him.