Mavericks Evaluate Ryan Nembhard's Role as Playoff Hopes Fade The Dallas Mavericks face critical decisions as they enter the final stretch of the regular season, with just 10 games remaining. Coach Jason Kidd hinted at one of these choices during a pregame press conference, emphasizing the team’s plan to evaluate young players, including rookie point guard Ryan Nembhard, to prepare for the offseason. Nembhard has been given increased playing time to showcase his potential, with his performance over the past six games serving as a key test for the organization. Nembhard’s situation is complicated by his contract status. The Mavericks converted his two-way deal to a standard contract earlier this season, but the new agreement includes a team option for next year. If the team declines the option, Nembhard would become a free agent, making his final season in Dallas uncertain. With the playoffs out of reach, the Mavericks are prioritizing evaluations to determine whether to retain him or explore other options. The team’s backcourt remains a focus area, particularly around Kyrie Irving. Nembhard could emerge as a potential backup to Irving if the Mavericks decide to invest in his development. However, his path to long-term security depends on his ability to meet expectations. Over the past six games, Nembhard has averaged 7.7 points and 7.2 assists while shooting 41.2% from three-point range, demonstrating his playmaking skills. Yet, his self-creation and assertiveness—key traits for an undersized guard in today’s NBA—still need refinement. Kidd has been vocal about the importance of giving Nembhard sufficient minutes to assess his growth. “Be able to get enough minutes for those new pieces so we can have the summer understanding what we have,” Kidd said.#dallas_mavericks #ryan_nembhard #jason_kidd #kyrie_irving #brandon_williams
Jason Kidd’s 1993 NCAA Upset Over Duke Lives On in Mavericks’ Locker Room Jason Kidd’s historic 1993 NCAA Tournament upset of two-time champion Duke remains a defining moment in his career and a source of pride for the Dallas Mavericks, whose roster includes multiple Blue Devils. The Mavericks’ current team, featuring players like Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Marvin Bagley III, and Dereck Lively II, carries a legacy of Duke alumni, with Kidd himself serving as a key figure in their history. The 1993 game, played in Rosemont, Ill., saw then-19-year-old Kidd lead California to an 82-77 victory over No. 3 seed Duke, a stunning upset for the No. 6 seed Bears. Kidd’s all-around performance—11 points, 14 assists, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals—helped Cal overcome Duke’s star power, including 32 points from Bobby Hurley and 18 points plus 8 steals from Grant Hill. The win, which came in the second round of the tournament, is still celebrated as one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history. Kidd’s Mavericks, currently struggling with a 23-47 record, are set to revisit the memory of that game as they prepare for the NBA draft lottery. The team’s coach, now reflecting on his past, humorously noted the irony of his team’s current struggles compared to the 1993 Bears’ triumph. “It’s amazing how time flies,” Kidd said, acknowledging the shared excitement of NCAA March Madness and the thrill of upsets. The Mavericks’ connection to Duke extends beyond Kidd. In 1993, the team selected Jamal Mashburn with the No. 4 overall pick, and the following year, Kidd was chosen over Hill with the No. 2 pick. Both players went on to win NBA Rookie of the Year awards and were inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2018. Today, the Mavericks’ roster continues to reflect the influence of Duke, with multiple players contributing to the team’s identity.#california #duke #mavericks #jason_kidd #nba_draft_lottery
Dallas Mavericks Highlight Gafford's Resilience Amid Injury Challenges The Dallas Mavericks have acknowledged the ongoing impact of injuries on center Daniel Gafford’s season, while emphasizing his critical role in the team’s long-term plans. Despite being sidelined for much of the year due to ankle issues, Gafford has remained a consistent presence in the lineup, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts. His ability to secure second-chance points and create scoring opportunities has drawn praise from both coaches and teammates, positioning him as a key building block for the franchise’s future. Gafford’s performance has been particularly notable in recent games, where he has averaged 14.2 points per contest on an impressive 71.4% shooting efficiency, alongside 3.6 offensive rebounds. Head coach Jason Kidd has highlighted Gafford’s adaptability and work ethic, noting his ability to find open shots and finish plays effectively. “He’s been really good at that for us,” Kidd said. “Being able to find him in the pick and roll and finishing is a big part of our offense.” Gafford echoed these sentiments, attributing his success to a focus on aggressive play and maximizing opportunities created by the team’s frequent missed shots. While Gafford has shown flashes of his usual form, he has not fully recovered from his lingering ankle injuries. The player admitted that he still feels the effects of the injury during games, though he remains determined to stay active. “I still feel the ankle every now and then,” he said. “But I’m just trying to play as much as I can. Injuries might happen, but I can’t let them hold me back.” His resilience has been a key factor in maintaining his impact despite the setbacks.#dallas_mavericks #daniel_gafford #cooper_flagg #jason_kidd #kyrie_irving
