There is no doubt that the Dallas Mavericks have struggled to find success this season, but if there is any silver lining, it is the performance of Ryan Nembhard, who no one expected him to play such a big role in. The Mavs rookie has exceeded their expectations for a player on a two-way contract, and his future with the team is something that Mavs fans should be excited about.
If you recall, Nembhard signed a two-way contract with Dallas in the offseason after undrafted. The expectation among fans was that he would progress and move up to the G League before getting some playing time on Jason Kidd’s roster. However, Nembhard has recently gained Kidd’s trust with his high level of play. The Mavs have other guards like D’Angelo Russell, who was expected to replace Kyrie Irving, but that did not happen, as other players like Nembhard have stepped up.
Dallas signed Russell in the offseason to compensate for Irving’s absence, as he was expected to keep things under control. However, this has not happened. Russell quickly went from primary starter to bench player in terms of games. His recent offensive struggles have opened the door for Nembhard.
Ryan Nembhard is laying the foundation to become a star
Before the start of the season, Nembhard was unknown among most Mavs fans, but he made a name for himself during Summer League. He was a solid passer who developed an early relationship with Cooper Flagg. Although the organization was excited about his future with the team, they believed they had found a hidden gem.
However, Nembhard has certainly been a budding gem even in a limited role. He has appeared in seven games for Dallas this season and has made the most of his opportunities.
He first saw action during Dallas’ first game of the season. Against the San Antonio Spurs, he scored eight points, dished out five assists and shot 60 percent from the field in 16 minutes. It was then clear that Kidd had handed the rookie a role off the bench. Yet, due to his two-way contract and a knee sprain, he was only able to play five games after that.
However, Nembhard’s big breakthrough came Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. He made his first start for Kidd, as it was clear the Dallas coach was looking to change things. He took full advantage of his opportunity. Offensively, Nembhard scored 17 points and shot 63.6 percent overall. He also shot 60 percent from the 3-point line and had one steal.
Therefore, Kidd’s ability to change things in the starting lineup shows how much the team values Nembhard. The problem is his long-term future with Dallas. If you recall, he is on a two-way contract, meaning the team will need to sign him to a standard contract in the future. It’s a decision the Mavs will face once they reach their 50-game limit.
Dallas faced a similar situation last season when they signed Brandon Williams after his two-way contract expired. So, it’s very possible that the same approach could work in Nembhard’s favor. He has proven his worth to the team and should continue to progress as the season progresses. The good thing is that he already has the Mavs’ trust in him and has played well in his first start of the season. All that’s left for him is to continue building on his rookie campaign.
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