Dallas Basketball

Mavericks' signing listed as one of the best after 2025 NBA Draft

It appears Dallas got a steal in the undrafted market.
Keenan Womack|
Feb 13, 2025; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Ryan Nembhard (0) controls the ball against the San Francisco Dons in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Feb 13, 2025; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Ryan Nembhard (0) controls the ball against the San Francisco Dons in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

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Gonzaga BulldogsDallas Mavericks

Though Dallas made its biggest splash by taking Cooper Flagg with the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, he wasn't their only acquisition of the week.

The Mavericks got busy in the undrafted free agent market as well, signing two guards that made an impact at the collegiate level in sharpshooter Miles Kelly (Auburn) and NCAA assist leader Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga).

READ MORE: NBA analyst breaks down why Cooper Flagg is a special prospect

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Ryan Nembhard
Mar 22, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Ryan Nembhard during press conference at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

According to Yahoo! Sports, Nembhard was one of the best UDFA adds, appearing on their list of the top undrafted prospects in the 2025 class.

Other players on the list include Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis (Philadelphia 76ers), Michigan center Vlad Goldin (Miami Heat), Mexico City guard/wing Dink Pate (New York Knicks), Villanova forward Eric Dixon (LA Lakers), and Louisville guard Chucky Hepburn (Toronto Raptors).

READ MORE: Warriors star Draymond Green calls Cooper Flagg 'lucky'

The move is important for the Mavericks for a couple of reasons. The first is that they lack depth at the lead initiator position, which Nembhard is primed to play. Secondly, it is a low-risk contract, as Nembhard has to compete for a roster spot. He will split time between the NBA and the G League, allowing for him to develop at his own pace.

The brother of Pacers playoff standout Andrew Nembhard, Ryan Nembhard averaged 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game last season at Gonzaga while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. Though he was included in many scouts' big boards, he was ultimately not taken in the draft, allowing Dallas to swoop in and steal him from other prospective teams.

It's clear that Dallas is attempting to fill the point guard spot by any means necessary.

READ MORE: Steph Curry's 6-word message to Cooper Flagg after 2025 NBA Draft

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Keenan Womack
KEENAN WOMACK

Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.

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