Ryan Nembhard Could Be the Mavericks’ Brotherly Hidden Gem originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
DALLAS – Dallas Mavericks two-way signee Ryan Nembhard did his best at turning heads in the NBA Summer League, emerging as a potential steal heading into his rookie season.
Nembhard began his college career at Creighton, where he played two seasons before transferring to Gonzaga to complete his final two years of eligibility. He led the nation in assists as a senior and his 181 assists in the West Coast Conference was a conference record.
Standing 5-11, 176 pounds, Nembhard’s measurables could be a potential reason as to why he did not hear his name called at the 2025 NBA Draft.
However, Nembhard’s playmaking and shot-creating ability is translating beautifully in NBA Summer League play. Through three games, he is averaging 11.3 points and 6.7 assists.
“I’ve been kind of dealing with it my whole life,” Nembhard said about being an undersized guard. “I am who I am. I’m not going to grow much more. I’m just looking to build on this opportunity I’m getting. At a certain point, the height won’t be talked about anymore. At the end of the day, you just have to roll the ball out and play hoops.”
Nembhard models his game after his older brother Andrew, the 31st pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and now a key contributor for the Indiana Pacers, who reached the NBA Finals last season.
Like his brother Andrew, Ryan seems to have the poise and confidence to control and run an offense at a high level.
“He has such a command of the game and command of the floor,” said Mavericks assistant Josh Broghamer. “He’s always going to have those guys set. … where he wants them to be. And he’s already reading that second, that third layer of the defense before he comes off (the screen).
If his Summer League performance is any indication, Ryan Nembhard is well on his way to proving that – like his brother – he belongs in the running for a real NBA job … in Dallas or elsewhere.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.