The NBA Cup knockout round is upon us, but there's more to the league than just the tournament. Let's shine a light on the Dallas Mavericks, a team that's quietly making a remarkable comeback.
After a dismal start of 5-15, the Mavericks were written off as a disappointment, especially with their former star shining bright elsewhere. But here's where it gets interesting: over their last five games, they've won four, and it's not just about one player.
Undrafted Heroes: Turning Weakness into Strength
While the return of Anthony Davis has certainly helped, it's the emergence of two undrafted guards that has truly transformed the Mavericks' season. Let's meet these unsung heroes.
Ryan Nembhard: The Rising Star
With the absence of Kyrie Irving due to injury, the Mavericks faced a massive challenge at point guard. Their solution? Signing veteran D'Angelo Russell. However, Russell's prime seems to be behind him, and the Mavericks' offense suffered as a result. That's when Ryan Nembhard stepped up.
Nembhard's recent performance has been nothing short of impressive. In his last six games, the Mavericks' offensive rating skyrocketed, and Nembhard's impact was undeniable. Averaging 14.8 points and 6.8 assists per game with an incredible true shooting percentage of 76.7%, he's quickly climbing NBA.com's rookie ladder. While it's early days, his point guard skills are a glimpse into a promising future.
What's more, Nembhard seems to have inherited his older brother's (Andrew Nembhard) pace and footwork, a trait shared by many Gonzaga alumni. His recent 28-point game against the Denver Nuggets is a testament to his talent. And did you know he's also an exceptional turnover suppressor, akin to Tyus Jones? Nembhard's assist-to-turnover ratio and assist:usage rate are among the best in the league.
Brandon Williams: The X-Factor
Originally, this piece was meant to highlight Nembhard, but Brandon Williams deserves equal recognition. While his raw stats might not jump off the page, his impact on the court is undeniable.
Williams is lightning-quick, able to navigate past defenders with ease. His ability to get to the rim is elite, ranking in the 93rd percentile for rim attempts per 75 possessions. While his efficiency near the basket could improve, it's understandable given the Mavericks' injury woes. With Anthony Davis on the court, Williams' rim shooting percentage improves significantly.
History tells us that frequent trips to the paint, even if inefficient, are valuable. And Williams' presence on the court boosts the Mavericks' offense significantly. His offensive on/off rating is an impressive +7.8 per 100 possessions, putting him in the 88th percentile. With him on the court, the Mavericks' offense transforms from miserable to average.
Williams may not be known for his defense, but his ability to generate turnovers is notable. His quick hands and feet give the Mavericks a much-needed boost in defensive playmaking.
While both Nembhard and Williams have limitations, they are clear NBA-caliber players, and Dallas acquired them without spending any draft capital. Their development could be the key to the Mavericks' playoff hopes this season.
So, who do you think will lead the Mavericks to success? Is it the veteran Russell, or these undrafted guards? Let us know in the comments!
