Dallas Mavericks Look to Undrafted Free Agents Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly as Key Additions for Depth, Talent, and Potential
The Dallas Mavericks, always on the lookout for untapped potential and undervalued assets, may once again be proving that championship-level rosters are not exclusively built through lottery picks and blockbuster trades. As the NBA offseason progresses, the news that Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly, two undrafted free agents, are both expected to find opportunities in Dallas has ignited a wave of intrigue among fans and analysts. The NBA is full of stories where undrafted players have carved out meaningful roles, often bringing hunger, discipline, and overlooked skills to teams that believed in them. Nembhard and Kelly may now join that lineage, attempting to turn uncertainty into contribution. For Dallas, a franchise aiming to maximize Luka Dončić’s prime years while surrounding him with reliable depth and complementary skill sets, the addition of these two young guards is less about a gamble and more about calculated opportunity.
Ryan Nembhard is a name that resonates in basketball circles for more than just his own achievements. The younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, Ryan comes from a basketball family with a strong pedigree. Known for his quickness, basketball IQ, and playmaking instincts, he carved out an impressive collegiate career that consistently highlighted his leadership qualities. At Creighton, and later at Gonzaga, Nembhard became the kind of point guard who makes the right reads, pushes the tempo, and gets teammates involved in ways that maximize efficiency. Scouts questioned his size—at six feet, he lacks the physical advantages of bigger guards—but they never doubted his toughness or his ability to organize an offense. That reputation now follows him into the NBA, where his skill set could find a natural fit in Dallas. The Mavericks, who often rely heavily on Dončić and Kyrie Irving to generate offense, could use a guard who keeps the pace steady when either star sits. Nembhard is not expected to play thirty minutes a night, but in his projected role off the bench, he could bring structure and prevent offensive stagnation.
Miles Kelly represents a very different archetype, though one equally valuable in today’s league. A tall, rangy shooting guard with a scorer’s mentality, Kelly spent his collegiate years at Georgia Tech where he gradually grew into the program’s primary offensive weapon. He averaged double figures in scoring while flashing a deep shooting range and the ability to attack closeouts. At six-foot-five with long arms, he has the frame to defend multiple positions, though his defense at the college level was inconsistent at times. What excites scouts about Kelly is his offensive versatility. He can create his own shot, knock down threes, and handle the ball just enough to relieve pressure from a primary playmaker. For Dallas, this is critical. The Mavericks are perpetually in search of wings and guards who can space the floor for Dončić, punish defenses that overload toward him, and contribute without needing extensive touches. Kelly fits that description.
The Mavericks’ front office has, over the years, shown an ability to identify undervalued talent. Jalen Brunson, who famously slipped to the second round, blossomed in Dallas before becoming a star in New York. Dorian Finney-Smith, an undrafted forward, grew into a reliable two-way starter and playoff contributor. Maxi Kleber, another unheralded addition, turned into a key rotational piece. Dallas knows that stars like Dončić are vital, but depth players who outperform expectations can make the difference between a second-round exit and a Finals run. By signing Nembhard and Kelly, the Mavericks are not just filling out a training camp roster; they are potentially identifying the next wave of surprise contributors who can change games in subtle but crucial ways.
What makes Nembhard especially intriguing in the Dallas system is his adaptability. He does not need the ball constantly to make an impact. He can run a pick-and-roll, set up shooters, or push the ball in transition, all while maintaining a low turnover rate. These skills matter enormously when Dončić rests. Dallas has often struggled to maintain offensive rhythm in those minutes, with the offense sometimes collapsing into forced shots or stagnant possessions. Nembhard’s ability to keep everyone involved may not only help second-unit lineups but also allow Jason Kidd, the Mavericks’ coach, to experiment with different rotations. Imagine stretches where Nembhard runs the point, Kyrie Irving shifts into a scoring role off the ball, and Dončić takes a breather. That level of flexibility is invaluable over an 82-game season.
Kelly, on the other hand, might be more of a long-term project, but the upside is clear. His jump shot, when falling, stretches defenses. His size allows him to contest shots and switch across guards and wings. Dallas has lacked consistent wing depth in recent years, particularly after trading away Finney-Smith. Kelly will not be asked to lock down opposing stars on day one, but if he can show progress defensively while knocking down open threes, he will earn minutes. Every team in the NBA is desperate for “three-and-D” wings who can guard multiple spots while spacing the floor. Kelly may not yet be a finished product, but the Mavericks are betting that with development, he can grow into that role.
The journey of undrafted players in the NBA is never easy, and both Nembhard and Kelly will face uphill battles. Summer League performances, training camp practices, and preseason games will be critical stages where they must prove their worth. Unlike lottery picks who are guaranteed contracts and developmental patience, undrafted free agents often live in the margins—one bad week could mean being cut, while one breakout stretch could solidify a roster spot. That pressure, however, often brings out the best in players. Nembhard’s competitive nature and Kelly’s scoring confidence are exactly the tools they will need to survive in this environment.
The Mavericks’ roster construction this season offers both challenges and opportunities for them. The backcourt rotation is anchored by Dončić and Irving, but behind them, the options are less certain. Dante Exum provided defensive grit last season but has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Jaden Hardy is still developing, showing flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. In that mix, Nembhard has a path. If he can prove himself steady, reliable, and composed, he may edge his way into backup guard minutes. Kelly’s situation is similar on the wing. Josh Green has been inconsistent, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper is still raw. Reggie Bullock’s departure in the past left a void for shooting, and while the Mavericks added Grant Williams for toughness, there remains a need for perimeter scoring. Kelly could slide into that gap if he adapts quickly to the NBA pace.
Beyond on-court skills, both players will also need to show professionalism and adaptability to the Mavericks’ system. Jason Kidd emphasizes defense, accountability, and unselfish play. While Dončić is the undisputed centerpiece, everyone around him must commit to making his job easier. Nembhard’s pass-first mindset fits naturally into that philosophy, while Kelly’s willingness to stretch the floor aligns with what the Mavericks want from their wings. The learning curve will be steep, but the opportunity is real.
History is on their side as well. The NBA has countless examples of undrafted players not only sticking in the league but thriving. Fred VanVleet went from undrafted to NBA champion and All-Star. Wesley Matthews, once overlooked, carved out a long and respected career. Udonis Haslem spent two decades in Miami after going undrafted. More recently, players like Jose Alvarado and Austin Reaves have reminded everyone that draft night is not the final word on talent. Nembhard and Kelly surely know these stories, and they serve as motivation. Dallas, meanwhile, understands the value of adding such players—low-cost contracts with potential for high reward.
For Mavericks fans, the arrival of Nembhard and Kelly should be met with cautious optimism. No one should expect them to immediately transform into starters or stars. But what they can do is provide depth, energy, and developmental promise. Over an NBA season where injuries are inevitable and rotations shift constantly, depth players often decide outcomes more than the casual fan realizes. A steady backup point guard can preserve wins in January. A young wing who hits a couple of threes in a playoff game can swing a series. These margins matter deeply in the NBA, and Dallas knows it.
Off the court, both players also bring intangible qualities that should not be overlooked. Nembhard is widely regarded as a coachable, mature leader—traits instilled during his years running high-level collegiate offenses. Kelly is known for his confidence and willingness to take big shots, something Dallas can use when defenses overload Dončić and Irving. That balance of maturity and boldness could endear them to the coaching staff and locker room alike.
Ultimately, the story of Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly in Dallas will be determined not by draft status but by production and adaptability. The NBA has little patience for potential without results, but it also consistently rewards those who seize their chance. Both players must fight not only to make the roster but to stay relevant within the rotation. For the Mavericks, the reward could be significant. A team that has occasionally struggled with depth now has two hungry, talented players eager to prove themselves.
In the end, whether Nembhard evolves into a dependable floor general off the bench or Kelly becomes a wing scorer who spaces the floor, Dallas benefits either way. If both succeed, the Mavericks may have uncovered two hidden gems in one offseason. For a franchise balancing the need to compete now with the responsibility of building for the future, these kinds of moves demonstrate foresight and creativity. Fans should not dismiss the possibility that years from now, when people talk about how Dallas built around Dončić, the names Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly might be part of that story.
