Get ready for an incredible story about a basketball player who defied the odds and made a remarkable journey from being an undrafted rookie to becoming a starting point guard for the Dallas Mavericks. It's a tale that will leave you inspired and eager to learn more!
In the bustling city of Dallas, a certain rookie named Ryan Nembhard caught the attention of everyone in the NBA during the Las Vegas Summer League. No, we're not talking about Cooper Flagg; it's Nembhard's story that truly shines. With his exceptional passing skills, he led the nation in assists at Gonzaga, but surprisingly, he went undrafted. However, this didn't stop him from signing a two-way contract with the Mavericks, and the rest, as they say, is history in the making.
Nembhard's impact was immediate. In just three games as the primary ballhandler, he showcased his scoring abilities with a remarkable 21-point debut and followed it up with an impressive 15 assists in his next two games. His traditional pass-first approach as a point guard quickly caught the eye of coach Jason Kidd, who praised Nembhard's self-awareness and refreshing playstyle.
But here's where it gets controversial... Nembhard's older brother, Andrew, who had just finished an NBA Finals run with the Indiana Pacers, attended Ryan's first official NBA game and made a bold prediction: "A winner... a playmaker who makes others better." And it seems Andrew's words rang true, as Kidd eventually chose Ryan as the Mavericks' starting point guard, a role that had previously been filled by four different players in just 22 games.
Nembhard's historic night in Denver against the Nuggets was a true showcase of his skills. With two plays just seconds apart, he epitomized his brother's prediction. Despite being undersized, Nembhard saw a mismatch against Spencer Jones and executed a brilliant crossover move, resulting in a midrange jumper. On the next possession, he drove past Jones again and, instead of forcing a shot, found his teammate Max Christie for a sealing corner triple. Nembhard's enthusiasm was evident as he leaped into the air, celebrating both his own shot and his teammate's success.
When the dust settled, Nembhard had set a new personal record with career highs in points (28), rebounds (3), assists (10), and 3-pointers (4). He became the first undrafted rookie in modern NBA history to achieve such a feat, joining the ranks of legends like Stephon Marbury. Nembhard's record-breaking performance left him feeling blessed, and he attributed his success to the hard work and consistency he puts in every day.
The following Monday in Miami, Nembhard's impact continued with nine points and seven assists off the bench. This performance was enough to convince Kidd to insert Nembhard into the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Lakers. The change was drastic but not unexpected, as Kidd had previously experimented with starting Flagg at point guard for the first seven games. After realizing Flagg's strengths were better utilized with another guard on the floor, Kidd tried veteran D'Angelo Russell for three games and then Brandon Williams for nine games.
And this is the part most people miss... Nembhard's impact on the Mavericks' offense is undeniable. In just three games as a starter, the team's 30th-ranked offense improved, with Nembhard's presence in the lineup. The top two scoring starting lineups feature Nembhard alongside Christie, Flagg, and either P.J. Washington or Naji Marshall. These starting groups averaged 36 and 33 points per game, respectively, showcasing Nembhard's ability to elevate the team's performance.
However, with the Mavericks having used 11 different starting lineups this season, Nembhard's position as the starting point guard could be temporary. But as long as he continues to play well, Kidd is unlikely to make any changes. Kidd, a traditional point guard himself and a Hall of Famer, admires Nembhard's unselfish playstyle and his ability to prioritize setting up his teammates.
Nembhard's journey to becoming one of the best passers in the country began during his final season at Gonzaga. As a senior, he averaged impressive stats, including 10.5 points, 9.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Despite his height being a potential disadvantage, Nembhard embraces his unique skill set and believes that his hard work and consistency will ultimately silence any doubts.
In just four games as a starter, Nembhard has averaged an impressive 17.7 points and 5.7 assists per game, with minimal turnovers. His performance has even drawn comparisons to his brother, Andrew, who achieved similar stats as a rookie. Nembhard was part of a dynamic trio that led the Mavericks to victory against the Denver Nuggets, with Anthony Davis and Flagg also putting up impressive numbers. Even Nikola Jokic, a triple-double machine, praised Nembhard's performance, acknowledging his ability to get his teammates involved.
After the game, D'Angelo Russell presented Nembhard with the game ball, welcoming him to the league with open arms. But Nembhard's performance was more than just a "welcome to the league" moment; it was a statement to the NBA that he's here to stay and make a name for himself.
However, Nembhard's time with the Mavericks might be limited due to the restrictions of his two-way contract, which allows him to play only 50 games with the NBA team. The Mavericks encountered a similar situation last season with Brandon Williams and Kessler Edwards, and ultimately, Williams' contract was converted to a standard one.
If Nembhard plays every game of his remaining allotment, he'll reach his limit on February 22nd against Indiana. It's unclear if Kyrie Irving, the injured star, will be back by then, but the Mavericks seem to have found a temporary solution at point guard with Nembhard. Even Anthony Davis hinted that Nembhard's two-way contract might not last much longer, suggesting he's on the path to a standard contract.
So, what do you think? Is Nembhard here to stay as the Mavericks' starting point guard, or will he be a temporary solution? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss this exciting development in the NBA!
