‘He Carried Us’: Anthony Davis’ Praise Puts Focus On Ryan Nembhard’s Contract Status With Dallas Mavericks

Grant AfsethDecember 2, 2025December 2, 2025no comment

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis directed significant praise toward rookie guard Ryan Nembhard following Monday’s 131–121 win over the Denver Nuggets, intensifying focus on a player who continues to exceed the limits of his two-way contract.

Nembhard finished with 28 points, three rebounds and 10 assists on 12-of-14 shooting, extending a three-game stretch in which he has averaged 17.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

Anthony Davis Says Ryan Nembhard ‘Carried’ the Dallas Mavericks

Dallas’ early struggles on offense shifted once Nembhard began directing the pace, and Davis pointed to that stretch as the moment the game turned. The rookie initiated sets, adjusted spacing and talked teammates through coverages as the Mavericks climbed back from a 21–4 deficit.

What stood out to Davis was how naturally Nembhard handled those responsibilities. He said the guard recognized reads before they developed and communicated them in the middle of possessions, giving Dallas a level of clarity that helped settle the team after its slow start.

“Ryan, man, he carried us,” Davis said. “He made big shots, big plays, making the right reads to the right guys. He definitely got the game ball tonight.”

What impressed Davis most was the way Nembhard communicated in real time. He said the guard repeatedly identified coverage shifts and pointed out adjustments before the ball reached its spot, something Davis described as unusual for an undrafted rookie earning rotation minutes.

“He’s constantly asking questions,” Davis said. “He’s talking to me and asking me where I want the ball. During the course of the game, he’s telling me, ‘AD, roll right here.’ To be undrafted, rookie, 22 — he’s taking big strides.”

Davis also addressed Nembhard’s two-way status, saying the level of play no longer matches the limits of his contract.

“It’s not my decision, above my pay grade,” Davis said. “But I don’t know if he’s going to be a two-way too much longer. All the guys love playing with him.”

Jason Kidd Notes Ryan Nembhard’s Control of the Offense

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Nembhard’s composure and the way he directed the offense throughout the night. Kidd said the rookie’s poise helped Dallas withstand Denver’s early run and settle into the pace of the game.

“He kind of took over the game,” Kidd said. “He’s been great since we put him in the starting lineup. To have 28 and 10, he controlled the game.”

Kidd referenced a third-quarter possession in which Nembhard drove into the paint and found Max Christie in the corner for a key 3-pointer.

“The ball touches the paint, he finds Christie for a big three,” Kidd said. “He took what the defense had. He was really good tonight.”

Kidd also highlighted Nembhard’s development.

“His character, the way he plays, the understanding of the game,” Kidd said. “Undrafted rookie to have 10 assists — that’s special, especially with this group.”

Dallas cannot convert Nembhard’s two-way contract until Jan. 6 because the team is hard-capped at the second apron, which prevents all signings and conversions until the league’s moratorium ends.

The Mavericks also have 15 guaranteed contracts and would need to waive a player to create a roster spot. Danté Exum will undergo season-ending knee surgery, but his guaranteed contract continues to occupy a roster position unless the team releases him.

Under NBA rules, Nembhard is limited to 50 regular-season games on a two-way deal. With his recent minutes increasing — including 23 against the Lakers, 21 against the Clippers, and 35 in Denver — he is on pace to reach that limit early.

Davis’ comments on Monday underscored the internal support for the rookie guard and the growing belief within the organization that Nembhard’s role may soon require a full contract once the Mavericks are permitted to make a move.

Contract Rules Limit When the Dallas Mavericks Can Act

The Mavericks cannot convert Nembhard’s contract until Jan. 6 because they are hard-capped at the second apron, preventing all signings and conversions until the league moratorium lifts. The team also carries the maximum 15 guaranteed contracts and would need to waive a player to open a roster spot.

Exum is scheduled for season-ending knee surgery, but his guaranteed contract remains on the books unless Dallas releases him.

With Nembhard’s minutes increasing — 23 against the Lakers, 21 against the Clippers and 35 in Denver — the team must also monitor his 50-game limit under two-way rules. His current trajectory suggests he will near that cap early in the season.

As January approaches, Davis’ remarks brought the issue into sharper focus. The Mavericks remain restricted by the rules for now, but Nembhard’s growing presence — and the endorsement from one of the league’s most established players — has elevated expectations for how Dallas will handle his status once the calendar turns.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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