Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard has been one of the best rookies of the 2025-26 NBA season. The Canadian guard had a strong finish to his first professional season by surpassing a milestone set by his head coach, Jason Kidd, in 1995.
The Mavericks faced the Chicago Bulls on Sunday for their regular-season finale. Nembhard took the opportunity to stand out and broke the single-game assist record for a rookie. When Kidd was a rookie in Dallas, he had 17 assists on March 13, 1995, and set the record.
It has been at the top of the record books for over 30 years, and Nembhard was the only rookie to reach and do more.
Ryan Nembhard Showcased His Passing Talent
The Mavericks defeated the Bulls 149-128, thanks in part to Nembhard, who finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and a career-high of 23 assists. The NBA acknowledged the young guard’s accomplishment and posted it on X.
“RYAN NEMBHARD RECORDS HIS 18th ASSIST!” the league posted. “He sets a new Mavericks rookie record, passing his coach, Jason Kidd (17 on Mar. 13, 1995) 🤯”
RYAN NEMBHARD RECORDS HIS 18th ASSIST!
He sets a new Mavericks rookie record, passing his coach, Jason Kidd (17 on Mar. 13, 1995) 🤯 pic.twitter.com/L5jdo652Ds— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2026
Nembhard showed that he’s also a promising young player in the league, just like his teammate, Cooper Flagg. The former Duke forward is a favorite to win the Rookie of the Year this season, while the former Gonzaga standout could be named in one of the All-Rookie teams.
The Mavericks also recognized what Nembhard did against Chicago. When he reached 21 assists, he became the franchise holder of the most assists made in a regulation-length game. Fortunately for Kidd, his record of 25 assists in a 2OT game against the Utah Jazz in 1996 still stands.
With his 21st assist of the contest tonight vs. Chicago, Ryan Nembhard has set a new franchise record for assists in a regulation-length game.
The team record for assists in any game is 25 by Jason Kidd in a 2OT game vs. UTA (2/8/96). pic.twitter.com/NJElS6piw4— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) April 13, 2026
Nembhard has proven his value this season as an undrafted rookie. He signed a two-way deal with the Mavericks in the offseason, and he gradually made an impact on the team. On Dec. 1, he set a career-high of 28 points, adding three rebounds and 10 assists, leading to a 131-121 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Nembhard was rewarded with a multiyear deal with the team for his strong play. Coach Kidd, one of the team’s bright lights, received great marks for his work this season.
“Ryan’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Kidd said. “He helped us win some games — steadied the ship as a rookie undrafted. For him to be able to turn that into a contract, he’s done all the work and other people who poured into him, they should get credit, too.”
The Mavericks see a bright future with Nembhard as a potential foundational piece next to Flagg.
Related: Mavericks Announce Cooper Flagg News After Leaving Bulls Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
