It’s been one of the most memorable offseasons in NBA History thus far and the Atlanta Hawks are getting in on the action. General Manager Onsi Saleh just acquired an all-world defender in Lu Dort in exchange for Zaccharie Risacher and two second-round picks.
Having Dort on the team will dramatically impact the Hawks right away, but another piece of the package that can’t be undermined is Ryan Nembhard in a Hawks jersey.
Nembhard brings underrated value to current Hawks
Most of the league is aware of his older brother - Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers - who joined Tyrese Haliburton on an NBA Finals crusade in 2025. While he was battling the Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven game series, Ryan was grinding with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
He averaged 10.1 points and 9.8 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field. His ability to pass is undeniable and his shooting stroke will make an instant contribution to Quin Snyder’s system.
For those who saw him in the 2026 NBA Summer League, they noticed the potential. His numbers were solid, averaging 13.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. It was enough to earn a roster spot on the Mavericks, leading him to average 6.6 points and 5.3 assist with only 19.5 minutes off the bench.
These stats indicate an instant offense, weather scoring the ball or passing it. We will have to see it play out on the court, but the acquisition is certainly promising. However, where there’s strengths, there will always be weaknesses.
Nembhard isn't free of warning signs
Although it’s great to see him get a new opportunity, we have to be aware of the fact he was traded. Therefore the Mavericks no longer had a need for his services.
One irrefutable reason for the transaction is his height at 5’11". No matter how much muscle he adds to his frame, it will not be enough to stop mismatches at the highest level.
The Hawks are obviously heading in the direction of a defense-first mindset, and an undersized guard doesn’t align with this trend. Nonetheless, we have to give him a chance and see if pros can outweigh his cons.
Hawks fans should know that they’re getting a talented playmaker and shooter. Both characteristics complement Atlanta, and we will have to wait for the results on the defensive end.
It could be different in Atlanta compared to Dallas, given the defensive wall Saleh is building on the perimeter. Although it was originally designed for Trae Young, Nembhard can use the Hawks' fortified defense to help him recover on certain plays, and his three-point shooting will be valuable in transition.
Everyone knows that's where the Hawks thrive, so there’s a route for Nembhard to fit in Atlanta, but only time will tell how successful he’ll be.
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