According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Dallas Mavericks struck gold this season when they selected undrafted point guard Ryan Nembhard on a two-way contract and officially signed him to a standard deal after the team waived veteran Tyus Jones.
The signing of Ryan Nembhard brings the Mavericks' current roster to 15 standard contracts. It was originally thought that Tyus Jones would finish the season with the Mavericks, but according to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, he reportedly approached the team asking for a release so he can join a playoff contender.
Weaving Jones may not be the last roster mover the Mavericks make this weekend. According to Siegel, the Mavericks are also awaiting Khris Middleton's decision, with the waiver deadline for players being on Sunday to be eligible to play in the playoffs. Middleton was acquired at the trade deadline, and there will be plenty of playoff teams interested in his services if he hits the buyout market.
In Nembhard, the Mavericks have a young guard who could be a part of the team's future. He was limited under his two-way contract in the number of NBA games for which he could be active, and his days of eligibility were almost over.
He has appeared in 38 games this season, including 17 starts, averaging just over 18 minutes per game. He averaged 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists with splits of 42.9 percent shooting from the field, 37.9 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 76.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
The Mavericks are currently 21-38 and in 12th place in the Western Conference standings. With each passing day, the chances of a run in the play-ins are becoming less likely.
