The Dallas Mavericks have transformed undrafted rookie guard Ryan Nembhard’s two-way contract into a full standard NBA deal lasting two years, including a team option for the 2026-27 season, according to league sources. This roster change occurred after the Mavericks waived veteran guard Tyus Jones following their 124-105 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, thus freeing the necessary roster spot to promote Nembhard.
Dallas plans to finalize Jones’s waiver before Sunday’s deadline to maintain his playoff eligibility with any future team he joins. This move clears the way for Nembhard, who is now fully integrated into the Mavericks’ NBA roster.
From Undrafted to Contracted: Nembhard’s Journey to the NBA
At 22 years old, Ryan Nembhard entered the NBA undrafted after completing his collegiate career at Gonzaga, where he played his senior year following a transfer from Creighton. His roots trace back to Aurora, Ontario, and before college, he honed his skills at Montverde Academy in Florida. Recognized for his polished ball-handling, court vision, and calm demeanor, Nembhard earned a two-way contract with Dallas initially and has steadily proven his value during his rookie year.
This season, Nembhard has appeared in 38 NBA games, posting averages of 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 37.9 percent beyond the arc. His assist output has been particularly notable for a team that has experienced significant turnover at the point guard position amid injury setbacks.
Nembhard maintained a confident outlook during his rookie campaign, focusing on consistent performance rather than contract status.
“I’ll let my agents and everybody figure that out,”
Nembhard said.
“Obviously that’s there, and obviously I’m on a two-way. But at the end of the day, if I go on the court and handle business and do my job at a high level, then that will take care of itself when the time comes. So I’m not too concerned about that. I’m just trying to win games and enjoy hooping.”
Head coach Jason Kidd has frequently praised Nembhard, highlighting his maturity and impact on the Mavericks’ offense.
“He knows who he is and that’s kind of refreshing, that a kid understands who he is and plays the game at the level that he plays,”
Kidd remarked.
“I think for him to have 10 assists as an undrafted rookie, that’s special, especially for this group.”
Kidd pointed to Nembhard’s steady presence as a key contributor whenever he runs the offense.
“He is steady,”
Kidd stated.
“Understands how to play the game. Ryan is a point guard who sets the table. In the games that we have put him in a different rotation spot, he has had success finding guys. Even when we talk about misses, we’re getting great looks with him running the show. He is steady, gets us organized, and our pace does not drop off when he is at the point guard.”
Kidd also underscored Nembhard’s impressive collegiate accomplishments as an indicator of his potential in the NBA.
“He led the country in assists in college, so I think you can lean into that,”
Kidd said.
“I think his teammates lean into that, but I think it is nice to have someone that is thinking about setting the table. I think he’ll benefit from that in this league. Because of his passing, he’ll have the opportunity to score, too, because everybody knows he is looking for his teammates.”
Progressing on Two Levels: NBA and G League Growth
Nembhard has also spent significant time with the Texas Legends, the Mavericks’ G League affiliate, nearing the 50-game limit on his two-way contract with 44 appearances. Most recently, he has shown impressive production, averaging 22.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 10.6 assists in 36.8 minutes per game across his last five outings, demonstrating notable improvement since the season’s start.
Texas Legends head coach Max Hooper has observed clear development in Nembhard’s game, particularly in decision-making and leadership.
“Ryan Nembhard has gotten better at his pick-and-roll reads, slowing down and finding his passing angles,”
Hooper said.
“He’s learning how to control the tempo while being aggressive when the game calls for it. Ryan’s not just learning plays, he’s learning how to lead a group. That’s what will separate him in the long run.”
Nembhard attributes his improvement to the support and structure of the Mavericks’ development system.
“It’s really been a collective effort,”
Nembhard explained.
“Every day I’m with different coaches or teammates, but everyone’s locked in on helping guys improve. We’ve got a great development system, and every single day is about getting better.”
He is also working on refining specific skills essential for his continued growth at the NBA level.
“Finishing at the rim and working on my floater are big focuses,”
Nembhard said.
I like my midrange game, but I also want to keep improving my three-point shot, that’s always valuable. And honestly, defense is one of the most important areas I’m keying in on right now.”
Adjusting to the NBA’s pace and spatial demands remains an ongoing learning process.
“Spacing and pace are huge,” Nembhard noted.
“The size of players makes a big difference, too. There are certain things you can get off in some moments, but there’s also a lot you can add to your game with all that spacing. The more I learn, the better I get as I go.”
Growing More Assertive on Offense
A major breakthrough in Nembhard’s rookie season has been his evolving mindset regarding scoring aggression. Early on, he admitted to moments of hesitation, but with encouragement from coaches and teammates, he has grown into a more assertive offensive threat.
Kidd noted Nembhard’s improvement following his elevation to the starting lineup.
“I thought he was great the whole game,”
Kidd said.
“He’s been great since we put him in the starting lineup.”
Nembhard described his approach with simple clarity, emphasizing adaptability depending on game flow.
“I think more will be asked of me from a scoring standpoint here,”
he stated.
“Whether I need to score or pass just depends on the defense and the flow of the game that night. I’m just excited to play basketball and let the game dictate things.”
Taking Over for Tyus Jones in the Backcourt
The Mavericks’ decision to waive veteran guard Tyus Jones created an immediate vacancy in the team’s backcourt, which Nembhard’s new contract directly addresses. Jones’s experience and leadership were valuable during a challenging season marked by multiple injuries and roster changes.
Jones is expected to be claimed off waivers and sign with a playoff contender. Dallas aims to complete his waiver process before Sunday to ensure his eligibility for postseason play with his next team.
Now with a standard contract, Nembhard no longer faces the 50-game limitation tied to two-way deals, solidifying his presence on Dallas’ roster through the rest of this season. This comes at a crucial point as the Mavericks navigate a demanding schedule, including games against Oklahoma City, Charlotte, Orlando, Boston, Toronto, and Atlanta, compounded by injuries such as the sidelining of Flagg due to a left midfoot sprain.
Looking ahead, Nembhard remains centered on continuous improvement and embracing the NBA’s challenges.
“Just getting better every day,” Nembhard said.
“Understanding the NBA game, learning the pace and spacing, and trusting that everything else will take care of itself.”
Implications for the Mavericks and Future Outlook
The Mavericks’ structure of Nembhard’s contract—two years with a team option—reflects their intent to maintain flexibility while offering him a clear runway to prove his long-term viability in the league. For an undrafted player relatively new to professional basketball, securing this contract marks a significant step toward establishing a lasting NBA career.
Ryan is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, creating one of the rare Canadian sibling presences currently active in the NBA. His game profile focuses on intelligent decision-making and court awareness over sheer athleticism, making him a natural fit to fill the role left vacant by Jones’s departure.
The Mavericks currently hold a 21-38 record and are preparing for their upcoming home contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
