The Dallas Mavericks are betting on a familiar name with their latest two-way signee — Ryan Nembhard. For those who have followed college basketball or the NBA closely, the last name may ring a bell. Ryan is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, and now, he’s carving out his own path to the NBA.
While Ryan Nembhard has often been in his brother’s shadow, those who’ve watched him closely know he’s a standout in his own right. In fact, some have been convinced of his potential since his high school days — even when the national recruiting services didn’t quite agree.
A Star Hidden in Plain Sight
In January 2021, prep basketball heavyweights Montverde Academy and IMG Academy faced off in a game that was packed with elite talent. Future NBA lottery picks like Jalen Duren, Jett Howard, and Jarace Walker were all on the floor, alongside pros like Dariq Whitehead, Caleb Houstan, and Moussa Diabaté. Montverde’s head coach Kevin Boyle, who led the program for 14 years and coached numerous future NBA stars, didn’t mince words when he reflected on that game.
“Between us and IMG, we had like nine guys in the top 50,” Boyle recalled. “I’m like, ‘The best guy in the gym is Ryan Nembhard. And he’s the only one not ranked.’”
That night, Nembhard quietly posted 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists — a line that was emblematic of his game. No flash, no over-the-top highlights, but a steady and reliable presence that led Montverde to a narrow 55-51 win over IMG during what would become a dominant 24-1 season.
The Road Through Creighton and Gonzaga
Despite the early doubts from scouts, Nembhard’s trajectory proved his high school coach right. He spent two years at Creighton before transferring to Gonzaga for his final two seasons of college eligibility. At both programs, he played a key role as a floor general — calm under pressure, unselfish, and remarkably efficient.
During his senior season at Gonzaga, Nembhard led the entire nation in assists. He dished out 181 assists in West Coast Conference (WCC) play alone, setting a new conference record. His ability to protect the ball was equally impressive: he recorded nearly four assists for every turnover, an elite ratio by any standard.
Gonzaga, under head coach Mark Few, relied heavily on Nembhard’s leadership and decision-making, and he consistently delivered. While others may have captured headlines with highlight-reel plays, Nembhard’s steady hand was the heartbeat of the Bulldogs’ offense.
Size vs. Skill
Even with his impressive college résumé, Nembhard went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. The reason? Size. At the NBA Draft Combine, he measured 5-foot-11 (without shoes) and weighed in at 176 pounds. In an era where teams often covet taller guards with switchable defensive skills, Nembhard’s physical profile worked against him.
But what he lacks in size, he makes up for in intelligence, toughness, and consistency. He rarely makes poor decisions, sees the floor as well as anyone, and simply knows how to run an offense — qualities that NBA teams still value, especially from backup guards.
Following a Familiar Blueprint
The Mavericks see something in Ryan Nembhard that goes beyond measurables. His older brother Andrew, once considered a fringe prospect himself, carved out a role with the Pacers and has blossomed into a reliable NBA guard. The similarities are clear — both are cerebral, team-first players who thrive in structured offensive systems.
Ryan now has the chance to follow in Andrew’s footsteps, learning and growing in the NBA on a two-way contract with Dallas. The Mavericks hope his high basketball IQ and proven track record will eventually translate into a regular roster spot.
What’s Next for Nembhard?
Being on a two-way contract gives Nembhard the opportunity to split time between the Mavericks and their G League affiliate. It also means continued development — refining his shot, improving his physicality, and learning to manage NBA pace and defensive complexity.
But if there’s one thing that Nembhard has shown throughout his journey — from being overlooked in high school, to breaking records at Gonzaga — it’s that he knows how to prove people wrong. With his brother’s path as a model and his own unshakable work ethic, Ryan Nembhard may yet have a long NBA career ahead of him.
For the Mavericks, this isn’t just a shot in the dark — it’s a calculated investment in basketball intelligence, leadership, and quiet consistency. And for Ryan Nembhard, it’s the next step in a journey he’s been preparing for his entire life.