Ryan Nembhard just gave Mavericks a reason to believe in their future again

Ryan Nembhard just put up one of the most impressive outings by a rookie this NBA. And in doing so, he gave Dallas Mavericks fans hope that perhaps the future isn't as bleak as it might seem.

Against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, Nembhard scored 28 points and dished out 10 assists while shooting 12-for-14 and 4-for-5 from three-point range. That performance puts him in elite company. Ryan became one of only three rookies in NBA history to post a 25-point, 10-assist game, joining Stephon Marbury and Michael Finley.

Having this kind of performance while playing on a two-way contract only adds to the significance of the moment. Maybe it was just a flash in the pan, but the Mavs are certainly getting serious value for minimal investment with Nembhard, and that's reason for excitement.

If this game was an indicator of what Ryan can eventually become in the future, this could potentially be a real building block for the organization. Against the Nuggets, Nembhard showed smooth decision-making (no turnovers in 35 minutes), floor awareness, and scoring efficiency that even many veterans can’t muster. That's a strong indicator of maturity beyond what a standard rookie typically showcases.

Ryan Nembhard had a promising performance against Denver

What stood out most was how calm Nembhard looked on the floor. Denver threw different coverages at him throughout the night, yet nothing seemed to speed him up. He manipulated used his footwork to create space and trusted his reads rather than forcing anything.

For a young guard trying to earn real NBA minutes, that level of composure says quite a bit. It also hints at the possibility that this was not simply a random hot streak, but the first glimpse of a player who understands how to run an offense with poise.

The Mavericks need that kind of presence. This season has brought its share of uncertainty, and Dallas has been searching for complementary creators who can lessen the load on their stars. Nembhard giving them a performance like this shifts the conversation. Even if he is still months or years away from reaching his ceiling, the franchise has a young guard with a clear feel for the game and a skill set that fits the modern league.

There's no guarantee that Ryan Nembhard will turn into a long-term starter, but he has already given Dallas something equally valuable: a reason to believe the future holds more promise than worry. If the organization can find little wins like this while Cooper Flagg continues to develop, things are going to turn out just fine.