Dallas Mavericks rookie Ryan Nembhard is not your prototypical NBA starting point guard. Listed at 5-foot-11, Nembhard does not possess the size or athleticism that coaches and executives covet.
In fact, the undrafted Mavericks guard is the league’s shortest active player. Despite his lack of size, the former Gonzaga standout has earned a starting role in Dallas and is making a huge impact in his debut season.
Oddly enough, his inspiring rookie season in Dallas nearly never materialized, as Nembhard endured a grueling path to the league. During the pre-draft process, Nembhard went on a extensive workout tour that included two-thirds of the league’s teams.
“I went to the G League combine, then I went to the real (NBA) combine, then I had 20 workouts,” Nembhard told Mavericks reporter Dwain Price. “You’re flying in every night, you don’t know what time you’re getting to the city, you don’t really know where you are. It’s tough.
“You have four years of college, then you go right into the draft process working out and getting ready for all the workouts and the combines. That’s a tough process, but it’s a process everyone has to go through.”
Even after conducting workouts for 20 of 30 NBA franchises, Nembhard failed to impress a team enough to draft him. After the draft, however, the Mavericks signed him to their summer league club and ultimately offered him a two-way contract.
From that point on, Nembhard has seized every NBA opportunity afforded him. So much so that he is now excelling as Dallas’ starting point guard.
Ryan Nembhard is Enjoying a Historic Rookie Season
GettyRyan Nembhard is excelling as the Mavs starting PG
Though 18-year-old phenom and former No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg is constantly drawing headlines, his undrafted rookie teammate Nembhard is off to an equally impressive start to his pro career.
Nembhard, 22, has recorded two double-doubles since joining the starting lineup in November. The Mavericks guard erupted for 28 points and 10 assists on Dec. 1 against the Denver Nuggets. That performance made him the first undrafted rookie in the modern NBA era to post at least 25 points and 10 assists without a single turnover.
Flagg heaped praise on the undrafted rookie, highlighting his importance both on and off the court as they navigate their debut seasons together.
“Ryan’s just the type of player where it’s just easy to be alongside,” Flagg said postgame. “He just makes everybody better out there. I love playing with Ryan. He’s a great player and a great person.”
With Kyrie Irving still sidelined with injury, Nembhard, the younger brother of Pacers guard Andrew, has been the perfect substitute as Dallas’ point guard.
His ability to limit turnovers and weave through defensive traffic to create open looks for his teammates has been huge for the Mavericks, who have won four of six contests since Nembhard entered the starting lineup.
“He knows how to control the game, he knows how to speed up and slow down,” forward P.J. Washington said. “I love his midrange and the way he passes the ball, and I just love his game. I’ve been watching a lot of his highlights. He’s really good.”
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