NBA training camps open next month and, for the most part, teams have their rosters set.
There may be some trades to come. Perhaps more buyouts like we’ve seen with Damian Lillard and others.
But for the most part, what fans see is what they’re going to get on opening night in October.
The Mavericks have made significant changes. They have brought on board D’Angelo Russell and No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg, both of whom might be in the Game 1 starting lineup. They said goodbye to Spencer Dinwiddie, who played more games last season than any other Maverick (79 of 82).
Optimism is running high. But it’s a long, long season. And it will take six months to figure out how these Mavericks fit together, particularly when Kyrie Irving returns from knee surgery, possibly in early 2026.
To bring you up to speed, we’ll use the month of August to chronicle every Maverick on the roster heading into training camp. It will help you get familiar with the players and how they might fit into the rotation come October.
RYAN NEMBHARD
Particulars: 6-foot, point guard, 22 years old.
College: Gonzaga (also Creighton).
What he’s done: The Canadian, who led all college players in assists last season at Gonzaga at 9.8 per game, showed everything the Mavericks needed to see in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He ran the Mavericks well, made key shots and acted more like a veteran than a rookie. After Cooper Flagg, he was the star of the summer for the Mavericks. The highlight came in the opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, when he dropped in a three-pointer with a minute to go that ultimately provided the winning margin in an 87-85 victory.
What to look for: It’s difficult to project regular-season success off the evidence provided in summer league. But there’s a lot to like about Nembhard.
There’s a universal belief that if he was as tall as his brother (6-5 Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers), Ryan would have been drafted, probably in the first round. But as an undersized point guard, he’s having to prove he can survive at the NBA level. He certainly has the toughness. He learned that from his brother and parents. But for small NBA players, it’s just a tougher climb.
It’s been done before many times. Chris Paul isn’t much bigger than Nembhard. J.J. Barea is smaller. And it would be wise of Nembhard to study some film of how Barea made his way with the Mavericks. “I definitely plan on that,” he said.
What we know for sure is that Nembhard will arrive at training camp as the No. 4 point guard, at best. He’ll have to earn time behind Russell, Brandon Williams and, when he gets healthy, Irving. And, of course, players like Flagg, Jaden Hardy and Caleb Martin also are able to operate as ballhandlers when needed.
That’s not bad news for Nembhard. He won’t be pressured into trying to do too much too soon. He can develop at a natural pace.
And it will help immensely that he has Irving (and Russell) to learn from. They have seen everything there is at point guard. And he’s certain to be popular with teammates with the way he distributes the basketball. Players always love the guy who gives them the rock.
Crystal ball: It’s expected that Nembhard will have to put in some time at the G League with the Texas Legends. But his could be a quick progression up the ladder of NBA success. A suitable goal would be to get converted to a full contract before the season ends.
Upcoming: Miles Kelly on Tuesday, Moussa Cisse on Wednesday.
X: @ESefko