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Dallas Mavericks<\/a> guard Ryan Nembhard has been one of the best rookies of the 2025-26 NBA<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n The Mavericks faced the Chicago Bulls<\/a> 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<\/a> on March 13, 1995, and set the record. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n The Mavericks defeated the Bulls 149-128<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n “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) \ud83e\udd2f”<\/p>\n RYAN NEMBHARD RECORDS HIS 18th ASSIST! — NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Nembhard showed that he’s also a promising young player in the league, just like his teammate, Cooper Flagg<\/a>. The former Duke<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> in 1996 still stands.<\/p>\n 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. — Mavs PR (@MavsPR) April 13, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n 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<\/a> of 28 points, adding three rebounds and 10 assists, leading to a 131-121 win over the Denver Nuggets<\/a>. <\/p>\n Nembhard was rewarded with a multiyear deal<\/a> with the team for his strong play. Coach Kidd, one of the team’s bright lights, received great marks for his work this season.<\/p>\n \u201cRyan\u2019s done everything we\u2019ve asked him to do,\u201d\u00a0Kidd said. \u201cHe helped us win some games — steadied the ship as a rookie undrafted. For him to be able to turn that into a contract, he\u2019s done all the work and other people who poured into him, they should get credit, too.\u201d<\/p>\n The Mavericks see a bright future with Nembhard as a potential foundational piece next to Flagg. <\/p>\n Related: Mavericks Announce Cooper Flagg News After Leaving Bulls Game<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This story was originally published by Athlon Sports<\/a> on Apr 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA<\/a> section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\nRyan Nembhard Showcased His Passing Talent<\/h2>\n
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He sets a new Mavericks rookie record, passing his coach, Jason Kidd (17 on Mar. 13, 1995) \ud83e\udd2f pic.twitter.com\/L5jdo652Ds<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n