As the NBA Summer League kicks off in Las Vegas, all eyes will be on rookie Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks as they face off against the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting the matchup against Bronny James. Amidst this buzz, another Mavericks rookie, Ryan Nembhard, is quietly positioning himself as a key player for the upcoming season.
Nembhard’s significant improvement in jump shooting over the past year has been noteworthy. After shooting just 32.1 percent from three-point range during his junior year at Gonzaga, he improved to an impressive 40.4 percent in his senior year. When reflecting on this transformation, Nembhard credited it to adjustments in his shooting mechanics and a greater focus on taking quality shots within the team’s offensive system. This enhancement in his shooting ability could solidify his role within the Mavericks’ rotation.
However, earning minutes on a team stacked with point guards like D’Angelo Russell, Dante Exum, and Brandon Williams will still be a challenge for Nembhard. To secure a spot in Jason Kidd’s lineup, he needs to ensure ball security, maintain a strong three-point shooting percentage, and excel defensively—qualities that align well with Kidd’s emphasis on energy and effort.
At 6 feet tall, Nembhard’s shooting prowess may be crucial for his debut season in Dallas, and he will have the opportunity to make a strong impression starting tomorrow in Summer League. His teammate, two-way signing Miles Kelly, praised Nembhard’s shooting, emphasizing its critical importance for modern point guards.
Summer League head coach Josh Broghamer highlighted that Nembhard’s shooting ability enables him to play effectively both on and off the ball. With Flagg expected to take on significant ball-handling responsibilities, Nembhard can capitalize on this dynamic as a reliable spot-up shooter, taking advantage of the open looks he could receive.
Should Nembhard’s performance warrant a continuation of his two-way contract into the regular season, his shooting will be even more essential for the Mavericks, who struggled in this area towards the end of last season. As they continue to experiment with double-big lineups, effective perimeter shooting from guards like Nembhard will be pivotal in complementing their big men, including Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford.
Nembhard’s capability to both shoot from distance and serve as a floor general could emerge as a fundamental aspect of his journey with the Mavericks. With a dual focus on improving his shooting and playmaking, Nembhard’s development is poised to be one of the key narratives surrounding the team this season, bringing hope for a more dynamic and well-rounded offense.