‘We’ll Get Him More Minutes’: Ryan Nembhard Emerging As Standout For Dallas Mavericks Ahead Of Finale Against Los Angeles Lakers
Ryan Nembhard’s preseason emergence has come at a critical time for the Dallas Mavericks. With D’Angelo Russell, Danté Exum, Kyrie Irving, and Brandon Williams all sidelined, the two-way guard has stepped into an expanded role and delivered steady performances that continue to earn the trust of head coach Jason Kidd.
Nembhard recorded six points, five rebounds, and a game-high 12 assists in 26 minutes during Dallas’ 114–101 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday night. It was his most complete outing of the preseason and a performance that may have secured him another opportunity to run with the Mavericks’ core group when they face the Los Angeles Lakers in Wednesday’s preseason finale.
“You’ll see Ryan with that first group again,” Kidd said after the game. “He took full advantage of the opportunity tonight, being able to make plays for his teammates. I thought he set the table well. We’ll go back and look at the tape with him and see if he can continue to grow. We’ll get him more minutes with that first group or in that rotation of the top eight or nine.”
Big Lineup Opens Door for Ryan Nembhard
The Mavericks started an oversized lineup against the Jazz, featuring Cooper Flagg at point guard, P.J. Washington on the wing, and Anthony Davis anchoring the frontcourt. The group set the tone early on both ends of the floor, with Nembhard fitting seamlessly into that structure as an additional ball-handler and playmaker.
“It was really good — just being able to have options, starting P.J., and I thought that group got off to a really good start defensively,” Kidd said. “We set the tone early, and again, offensively got some great looks. I thought that group was really good. You’ll probably see that group start again on Thursday.”
For Nembhard, who has averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists through three preseason games, the extended opportunity offers valuable experience. He has shown patience and precision within Kidd’s motion offense, which emphasizes cutting, spacing, and quick decision-making.
“I’m just trying to get 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.”
Connection With Miles Kelly
Nembhard and fellow two-way guard Miles Kelly have been paired frequently in training camp and preseason after first building chemistry as teammates during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Both have taken advantage of their minutes and provided much-needed depth in the absence of veteran guards.
“They were good,” Kidd said. “We got minutes with Ryan with that first group, and I think he took full advantage of the opportunity tonight, being able to make plays for his teammates.”
Nembhard said playing alongside Kelly gives him confidence as a passer because of Kelly’s ability to space the floor and shoot off movement.
“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.
Kelly, who scored 12 points and hit four three-pointers against Utah, said Nembhard’s vision and unselfishness make his job easier.
“He’s a pass-first point guard and always has his head up,” Kelly said. “All I’ve got to do is find an open window, make it easier for him to pass, and knock down the shot.”
That connection has become an extension of what they built over the summer, and both players have benefited from the continuity. Their ability to play off each other’s strengths has helped Dallas maintain offensive rhythm even without its established guards.
Learning Under Jason Kidd
Nembhard’s progression has been influenced heavily by Kidd’s guidance. The Hall of Fame point guard has emphasized trust and freedom within structure, giving his young guard the chance to learn through experience.
“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.”
Kidd’s belief in Nembhard’s ability to orchestrate the offense has grown steadily throughout camp. The rookie’s 16-to-2 assist-to-turnover ratio through three games reflects both his maturity and his understanding of the pace Kidd wants Dallas to play with.
Looking Ahead
With Kidd confirming that Nembhard will again see minutes alongside the starters Wednesday in Las Vegas, the rookie’s chance to solidify his spot in the Mavericks’ early-season rotation continues to expand.
His command of the offense, connection with Kelly, and adaptability within Dallas’ oversized lineup have all made him one of the team’s most promising preseason standouts.
For a Mavericks group emphasizing pace, ball movement, and defensive length, Nembhard’s rise could provide timely depth at point guard as the team navigates injuries ahead of its Oct. 22 regular-season opener against the San Antonio Spurs.
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