After selecting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks have acquired another player.
The player in question is none other than Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard, who averaged a solid 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game during his senior year.
Nembhard’s biggest skill is his passing, as evident by his average assists per game. It’s no surprise that he led the NCAA last season.
Keeping that in mind, NBA analyst Bill Simmons is puzzled by how the Dallas Mavericks managed to sign Nembhard for a two-way deal.
Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty ImagesBill Simmons wants NBA Draft rules to change after Ryan Nembhard goes to Dallas Mavericks
For context, Nembhard’s name wasn’t called throughout nights one and two of the 2025 NBA Draft. As mentioned earlier, he signed a two-way contract with the Mavs.
Coming to Simmons’ comments, the veteran analyst urged the league to review their current format of the NBA Draft.
“I can’t believe nobody drafted Ryan Nembhard. And then Dallas steals him on a 2-way? I think he’s gonna be good,” Simmons wrote on X.
So, what change in the NBA Draft format did Simmons suggest?
“The NBA should add a 10-player third round and make it a 70-pick draft. The worst 10 teams get one more 3rd rounder,” he added.
All things considered, Simmons’ suggestion is based on the assumption that Nembhard will become a good NBA player.
While Nembhard’s numbers are great, let’s not forget that Nembhard is just 6’0″, which restricts his potential in the NBA.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
If you followed the 2025 NBA Finals, you may be aware of Indiana Pacers‘ star guard Andrew Nembhard. He averaged 12.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game for the Pacers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
With that said, one may wonder if Andrew is related to the Mavericks’ recent acquisition, Ryan? Well, the answer is yes.
Ryan is the younger brother of Andrew. Both brothers played for Gonzaga’s basketball program.
Speaking of Andrew, he took a leap this season and NBA legend Dwyane Wade credited the Pacers for Nembhard’s growth.
While the elder brother has found a solid role in the NBA, it will be interesting to see if Ryan can do the same.