Ryan Nembhard

Early Life and High School Career

Ryan Nembhard was born and raised in Aurora, Ontario, a suburban community north of Toronto. He developed his basketball skills in Canada before making the significant move to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, a renowned basketball powerhouse known for producing elite talent. At Montverde, Nembhard played alongside and against a host of future Division I and NBA prospects, including Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Moses Moody, and Jalen Duren. Following his freshman season, he made the strategic decision to reclassify from the graduating class of 2022 to 2021, accelerating his path to college basketball. As a senior, he was instrumental in Montverde's victory at the 2021 GEICO High School Basketball Nationals, earning game MVP honours after posting 12 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals in the championship win over Sunrise Christian Academy.

Recruiting services regarded Nembhard as a four-star prospect, with 247Sports ranking him as the No. 68 overall player in the class of 2021 and the No. 11 point guard. His performance and potential attracted scholarship offers from several major NCAA programs. In June 2020, after considering options from Ohio State, Stanford, Florida, and Seton Hall, Nembhard announced his commitment to play college basketball for the Creighton Bluejays. This decision set the stage for the next phase of his development under coach Greg McDermott in the competitive Big East Conference.

Collegiate Career

Ryan Nembhard made an immediate impact at Creighton University, starting his college career with a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists in a win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He continued to display his scoring and playmaking abilities, recording 22 points along with five rebounds and five assists in an early-season victory against Nebraska in November 2021. His freshman campaign was marked by consistent performance, earning him Big East Freshman of the Week honours six times. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by a wrist injury suffered in a game against St. John's on February 23, 2022, which required season-ending surgery. He finished his first year averaging 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, and was named the Big East Freshman of the Year.

Returning for his sophomore season, Nembhard improved his game, averaging 12.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per contest. Following this successful season, Nembhard entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately decided to continue his career with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. As a junior at Gonzaga, he started every game, averaging 12.6 points and 6.9 assists. In his senior season, his playmaking reached its peak as he led the entire NCAA with an average of 9.8 assists per game, alongside 10.5 points and 1.7 steals. His leadership helped guide Gonzaga to its 22nd West Coast Conference tournament title, and he was named to the watch list for the prestigious Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation's top point guard.

Ryan Nembhard's collegiate career was decorated with several key honours and achievements. As a freshman at Creighton, he was a six-time Big East Freshman of the Week and was named the Big East Freshman of the Year. In his sophomore season, he guided Creighton to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. After transferring to Gonzaga, he led the NCAA in assists per game as a senior and was named to the Bob Cousy Award watch list.

• Big East Freshman of the Year (2022): Awarded after his first season at Creighton.
• Six-time Big East Freshman of the Week (2021-22): Earned the weekly honour on six separate occasions.
• NCAA Assists Leader (2025): Led all Division I players with 9.8 assists per game in his senior season at Gonzaga.
• West Coast Conference Tournament Champion (2025): Helped Gonzaga win its 22nd conference title.

Professional Career

After going unselected in the 2025 NBA draft, Ryan Nembhard began his professional journey by signing a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks. His rookie season was highlighted by several standout performances that demonstrated his potential as a floor general. On December 1, 2025, he scored a career-high 28 points in a win over the Denver Nuggets. Two days later, he recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 13 assists against the Miami Heat. Following the waiving of guard Tyus Jones in March 2026, the Mavericks converted Nembhard's two-way deal into a standard multi-year contract, utilizing newly available salary cap space. Nembhard's most historic performance came on April 12, 2026, in a victory over the Chicago Bulls, where he dished out a career-high 23 assists.

This total of 23 assists set a new Dallas Mavericks franchise record for assists in a game by a rookie, surpassing the previous mark of 17 held by his then-head coach, Jason Kidd. It also made him the 24th player in NBA history to record 23 or more assists in a single game. The Mavericks exercised their team option on his contract for the 2026-27 season on June 29, 2026. However, his tenure with Dallas soon ended as he became part of a series of off-season transactions. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal on July 19, 2026, then traded alongside Buddy Hield to the Charlotte Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith on September 22, 2026. The Hornets waived him on September 26, 2026, and he signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets four days later on September 30, 2026.

In his rookie season with Dallas, Nembhard appeared in 60 games, averaging 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 41.5 percent from the field. After the season, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks and then to the Charlotte Hornets before being waived. He subsequently signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets on September 30, 2026. This contract allows him to develop with the Grand Rapids Gold in the NBA G League while being available for the Nuggets.

• December 1, 2025: Scored a career-high 28 points against the Denver Nuggets.
• December 3, 2025: Recorded first double-double (15 points, 13 assists) against the Miami Heat.
• March 1, 2026: Signed to a standard multi-year contract by the Dallas Mavericks.
• April 12, 2026: Set Mavericks rookie record with 23 assists against the Chicago Bulls.
• June 29, 2026: Mavericks exercised his team option for the 2026-27 season.
• July 19, 2026: Traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal.
• September 22, 2026: Traded to the Charlotte Hornets with Buddy Hield.
• September 26, 2026: Waived by the Charlotte Hornets.
• September 30, 2026: Signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets.

National Team Career

Ryan Nembhard has been a consistent representative for Canada in youth international competitions, contributing to the pipeline of talent for the senior men's national team. He continued his international play at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia, improving his performance to help Canada secure a bronze medal. During that U19 World Cup, Nembhard averaged 15.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, serving as a primary ball-handler and scorer for the squad. He saved one of his best performances for the medal round, scoring 21 points in the bronze-medal game against Serbia to help clinch third place for Canada.

Ryan Nembhard's commitment to the national program has continued into his professional career, as he was named to Canada's Summer 2026 athlete pool. This inclusion positions him as a candidate for the team that will compete on the road to the LA28 Olympic Games. He previously represented Canada at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship and the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup. At the 2021 tournament, he helped Canada win a bronze medal, scoring 21 points in the third-place game.

• 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup (Latvia): Averaged 15.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
• Bronze Medal (2021): Helped Canada finish third at the U19 World Cup.
• 21 Points: Scored 21 points in the bronze-medal game against Serbia.
• Summer 2026 Athlete Pool: Committed to Canada's national team program for the LA28 Olympics cycle.

Playing Style and Career Statistics

Ryan Nembhard is a traditional, pass-first point guard whose greatest strength is his court vision and ability to create for his teammates. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, he uses his quickness, basketball IQ, and steady handle to direct offences and set up scoring opportunities. His collegiate career was defined by his assist numbers, culminating in leading the nation in assists per game during his final season at Gonzaga. Defensively, he is an active player who averaged over a steal per game in college and as a rookie in the NBA, using his anticipation to disrupt passing lanes. The following table outlines his key statistical averages from his rookie NBA season with the Dallas Mavericks, providing a snapshot of his initial professional production.

His single-game assist record of 23 not only highlights his peak playmaking ability but also places him in rare company among NBA rookies historically. The 23 assists, recorded on April 12, 2026, set a Dallas Mavericks rookie franchise record, surpassing the mark set by Jason Kidd. It also made him the 24th player in NBA history to dish out 23 or more assists in a game. As he continues his career with the Denver Nuggets, his development as a consistent distributor and decision-maker will be central to his role.

Personal Life

Ryan Nembhard comes from a basketball family, with his older brother, Andrew Nembhard, also playing professionally in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers. Andrew's own successful collegiate career at Florida and Gonzaga, and his subsequent NBA journey, has provided a path and a source of mentorship for Ryan. The brothers' parallel careers, including their shared time at Gonzaga University, have been a notable storyline in Canadian basketball. Ryan's parents, Claude and Mary Nembhard, have been supportive figures throughout his development from Aurora to the NBA. His decision to attend Montverde Academy was influenced in part by his brother's positive experience at the school, which helped him feel comfortable with the coaches and the competitive environment. While much of his life is dedicated to basketball, his public persona remains focused on his athletic career and his contributions to Team Canada.

Questions about Ryan Nembhard

Where is Ryan Nembhard from?

Ryan Nembhard is from Aurora, Ontario, Canada. He was born there on March 10, 2003. The Aurora native developed his basketball skills in Canada before moving to the United States for his high school career. He attended Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, where he played alongside several future NBA players. This Canadian upbringing is a key part of his background, and he has consistently represented Canada in international competitions.

Which NBA team does Ryan Nembhard play for?

Ryan Nembhard plays for the Denver Nuggets. He signed a two way contract with the team on September 30, 2026. This contract allows him to play for both the Nuggets and their NBA G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. Prior to joining Denver, he was a rookie with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025 2026 season. His journey to the Nuggets included brief offseason stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets before he was waived and signed by Denver.

What is Ryan Nembhard's NBA rookie record?

Ryan Nembhard set a Dallas Mavericks franchise rookie record with 23 assists in a single game. He achieved this on April 12, 2026, in a win over the Chicago Bulls. This performance surpassed the previous Mavericks rookie record of 17 assists, which was held by his former head coach Jason Kidd. This feat made him the 24th player in NBA history to record 23 or more assists in a game. It was a standout moment in his rookie season where he appeared in 60 games for Dallas.

Did Ryan Nembhard play for Team Canada?

Yes, Ryan Nembhard has played for Team Canada in multiple FIBA youth tournaments. He competed at the 2019 FIBA Under 16 Americas Championship in Brazil, averaging 14.3 points and 9 assists per game. He also played at the 2021 FIBA Under 19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia, helping Canada win a bronze medal while averaging 15.1 points and 6.7 assists. More recently, he has committed to Canada's Summer 2026 athlete pool as the national team prepares for the road to the LA28 Olympics.

Is Ryan Nembhard related to Andrew Nembhard?

Yes, Ryan Nembhard is the younger brother of Andrew Nembhard. Andrew is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Indiana Pacers. Both brothers share a basketball path that includes playing college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Ryan's decision to attend Montverde Academy for high school was influenced by his older brother, as he stated he was comfortable with the coaches there because Andrew had also attended.

Sources and further reading

• Ryan Nembhard (Wikipedia)
• Nuggets sign Canadian Ryan Nembhard to two-way deal (sportsnet.ca)
• Ryan Nembhard Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft ... (basketball-reference.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-26.