Jason Kidd hints at Mavericks making surprise lineup change fans will love

The Dallas Mavericks kick off preseason action tomorrow against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jason Kidd recently hinted at Ryan Nembhard having a real role immediately. Kidd said that the Mavs used a jumbo lineup that included Nembhard, Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II during practice, and while this could've just been Kidd trying some things, it does show they at least want to see how Nembhard plays alongside the starters in practice, and he could play more minutes than anyone would've expected.

Most players on two-way deals around the NBA don't play a ton, as they are only eligible to be active for 50 games, but the Mavericks have proven that they take their two-way spots seriously. Nembhard could emerge as a key piece off the bench if he has a productive preseason and training camp, and him having a similar developmental path to Brandon Williams would be a dream.

Williams played on multiple two-way deals with the Mavs before they signed him to a standard deal at the end of last season, and both Kessler Edwards and Kai Jones thrived in their roles. Nembhard, having a similar impact to any of the three aforementioned players, would put him in a great position to grow in Dallas and become a key piece of the core, and Mavs fans should write him off from getting minutes just yet.

Mavericks fans should keep an eye on Ryan Nembhard

This would solidify Dallas as having one of the best rookie duos in the league with Nembhard and Cooper Flagg, and even Miles Kelly could become a dependable role player, depending on whether he breaks the rotation or not. Mavericks fans were ecstatic that they signed Kelly and Nembhard after the conclusion of the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, and their excitement peaked during Summer League.

Mavericks fans fell in love with Nembhard during NBA Summer League thanks to his knockdown mid-range jumper off the dribble, elite playmaking, and ability to play on and off the ball, and he proved that he isn't the only rookie in Dallas who has star potential. Fans were quick to compare his game to Jalen Brunson after his big opening performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, and he could find himself playing a role off the bench if he proves that he's ready for the big moment.

Kidd playing him with the starters one day during training camp shouldn't be overanalyzed, as he probably used countless different lineup combinations over the first few days of training camp in Vancouver, but it is definitely shows that they like what he can bring as a rookie. Kidd is known for hyping up rookies before the season begins, as he did with Olivier-Maxence Prosper before his rookie year began in 2023, and Nembhard has a shot to prove that he is worth the hype that he's receiving right now.

The Mavericks know that they have a steal in Nembhard, and Kidd mentioning him shouldering such a big role in practice this early on is a great sign. Fans will quickly learn Nembhard's name, and his first chance to show off some of his offseason improvements will be tomorrow against the Thunder.