Mavericks turn the NBA's biggest draft mistake into an endless goldmine

The Dallas Mavericks secured undrafted point guard Ryan Nembhard on a two-way contract immediately after the 2025 NBA Draft, a move widely hailed as one of the offseason's biggest steals. Nembhard had led the NCAA with 9.8 assists per game and recorded the fifth-most single-season assists (344) in NCAA history, making his draft omission surprising.

Nembhard validated the Mavericks' decision with standout Summer League performances, particularly in his debut against the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 21 points with five assists and a crucial game-winning three-pointer, overshadowing teammate Cooper Flagg and showcasing their potential as a formidable rookie duo. After just three games, Dallas opted to shut him down—a rare honor typically reserved for high draft picks—signaling strong organizational confidence.

Summer League coach Josh Broghamer emphasized Nembhard's immediate impact, praising his versatility, defensive tenacity, and readiness for NBA rotation. He highlighted that Nembhard required no further evaluation, calling him "a steal" capable of playing both on and off the ball. This early shutdown underscored Dallas's belief in his future despite his undrafted status.

Though undersized at 6 feet, Nembhard silenced pre-draft concerns about his height through exceptional court intelligence and defensive effort. His Summer League display proved he belongs among the league's most skilled guards, despite some physical challenges against the San Antonio Spurs. Analysts project him as at least a reliable rotation player.

The Mavericks' acquisition of Nembhard—coming just over 24 hours after drafting Flagg—has drawn criticism toward other NBA executives for overlooking him. His undrafted status is now viewed as a major league-wide oversight, with Dallas positioned to benefit from his rapid development while rivals lament missing out.