“He’s Made A Case For That”: Jason Kidd Praises Dallas Mavericks Rookie Ryan Nembhard As Option For Early-Season Minutes

Grant AfsethOctober 17, 2025October 17, 2025no comment

Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

Four games into his first NBA preseason, Ryan Nembhard has earned more than a passing look from Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. The undrafted rookie point guard out of Gonzaga has impressed with his control, decision-making, and ability to run the offense — all traits Kidd values in a floor leader.

Kidd said after the Mavericks’ preseason finale that the 22-year-old has “made a case” to be part of the team’s early-season rotation.

“We’re going to continue because we’re getting healthy here,” Kidd said. “With Brandon Williams available, there are different combinations. Ryan could easily be in that rotation—he’s made a case for that. He’s on a two-way, so there are a lot of positive stories here. We have some time to make decisions, so we’ll see by the 21st who’s sturdy and how the rotation will look.”

Steady Command at the Point

Across four preseason games, Nembhard averaged 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 steal on 44.4% shooting from the field and 40.0% from 3-point range. He totaled 20 assists to just two turnovers in 64 minutes — tied for the most assists by any first-year player in the preseason.

With Kyrie Irving, Brandon Williams, and Dante Exum sidelined at various points, Nembhard was given the chance to guide the offense, and Kidd said the rookie quickly earned the respect of his teammates.

“He is steady,” Kidd said. “(He) 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.”

Finding Comfort in the Dallas Mavericks’ Offense

Nembhard said his focus during the preseason has been to gain experience, adapt to the Mavericks’ offensive system, and show that he can execute at the NBA level.

“Just to get some experience — experience in these games at this level, with these guys, and show the coaching staff and the organization what I can do,” Nembhard said. “I think there’s just a lot more space out there on the court. Our offense has a lot of cutting and good actions in it, so there’s a lot of space to make plays.”

His best showing came in Utah on Oct. 13, when he dished out 12 assists to just one turnover in 26 minutes. It was the kind of performance Kidd described as “taking full advantage” of an opportunity.

“It’s a lot of good players around me, getting the ball in good spots, and they’re going to do the rest,” Nembhard said. “That’s about it.”

Nembhard also praised fellow two-way guard Miles Kelly, who scored 14 points and hit four 3-pointers that night.

“That’s what he does, man. He can really shoot the ball,” Nembhard said. “Just got to get it to him on time, on target — he’s going to do the rest. It’s been fun playing with him.”

Lessons From Jason Kidd and a Gonzaga Foundation

Having a head coach who was one of the NBA’s best point guards has provided Nembhard a unique resource as he transitions into the league.

“Just the way he approaches the game — he’s a player’s coach,” Nembhard said. “He lets guys figure it out on their own, but he has a lot of knowledge. Just being around him every day, there are little things you pick up on. I just want to be around that.”

Before arriving in Dallas, Nembhard starred at Gonzaga, where he developed into one of college basketball’s premier playmakers.

As a junior in 2023–24, he averaged 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. He followed with a senior season that cemented his reputation, averaging 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game — leading all of Division I in assists while posting a nearly 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

That combination of command and efficiency has translated to the Mavericks’ system. Kidd said Dallas has embraced what makes Nembhard unique.

“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.”

Earning Trust and Opportunity

Nembhard signed a two-way contract in July and is expected to spend time with the Mavericks’ G League affiliate once that season begins on Nov. 7. But with his efficiency, unselfishness, and leadership through the preseason, he may have earned a more immediate role at the NBA level.

For Kidd, the rookie’s approach has been exactly what the team needs as it looks to build rhythm heading into opening night.

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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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