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While most of the buzz this summer has surrounded Cooper Flagg, another newcomer is quietly making waves within the Dallas Mavericks organization. Ryan Nembhard, a crafty point guard who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, has quickly earned the respect of the Mavericks’ front office and coaching staff and may end up being one of the biggest steals of the class.
Signed to a two-way contract, Nembhard joined the Mavericks after a standout senior season at Gonzaga, where he averaged 10.5 points, 9.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game across 35 contests. Despite his productivity and mature court sense, the 23-year-old wasn’t selected on draft night, a decision that could soon look like a mistake for many teams.
Behind the scenes, the Mavericks are very high on Nembhard. Speaking anonymously with Spotrac’s Keith Smith, one front office executive didn’t hold back his praise.
“We were so excited to get him as a two-way guy. He’s so damn tough. A lot like his brother (Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard) in that way… We feel like we’re starting to get really good development out of the two-way process now.”
Nembhard’s NBA-ready poise was on full display in Summer League, where he averaged 11.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over three games. He showcased exceptional vision, ball control, and leadership traits that NBA teams usually covet in a young point guard.
With Kyrie Irving dealing with health issues and the Mavericks seeking additional stability at the lead guard spot behind Luka Dončić, head coach Jason Kidd could give Nembhard an early shot in the regular season rotation. And if he capitalizes on that opportunity, a standard NBA contract may not be far off.
Nembhard’s journey might not have started with fanfare or a first-round selection, but if his development continues on this trajectory, Dallas could have quietly added a key piece for the future, one that didn’t cost them a pick.