By adding Devin Carter, the Celtics have likely settled their two-way situation, but why stop there? We’ve seen the Knicks bring in multiple players on Exhibit 10 deals to battle for a roster spot, and last year it led them to Landry Shamet. They’re following a similar pattern this year, and there’s no reason the Celtics shouldn’t do the same.
They’re already committed to Milos Uzan, Tucker DeVries, and Carter, but Ryan Nembhard is an interesting name to watch after he was traded on Monday and is expected to be waived.
Nembhard, the younger brother of Pacers standout Andrew Nembhard, made the first-team All-WCC with Gonzaga in 2024 and 2025 and led the NCAA in assists as a senior. He went undrafted and signed a two-way contract with the Mavericks last season.
Nembhard set single-game rookie assist record with 23 last season
He had some big games in Dallas and saw his two-way contract converted to a standard multi-year contract. In April, he set the rookie record for assists in a game with 23 against the Bulls. But he was traded to the Hawks after the season, and on Monday he was dealt, along with Buddy Hield, to the Hornets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith.
With reports that Nembhard is expected to be waived by Charlotte, and the Celtics clearly seeking some help at point guard behind Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Mike Conley, the 23-year-old deserves a shot to prove himself in training camp.
The biggest issue for Nembhard, and it is a big one, is that he stands at only 5’11”, making him a major liability on the defensive end and making it an uphill battle for him to be impactful on offense, even with his tremendous skill set as a floor general.
Nembhard lacks size but is worth a flier
His brother, Andrew, got the height in the family at 6’4”, which has allowed him to thrive in Indiana, and unfortunately for Ryan, that five-inch difference is a huge factor. But on the other hand, that’s why Andrew signed a three-year, $59 million contract, and Ryan is about to be waived and will be looking for work.
The Celtics have proven what they can do with developmental projects, and they’ve had success with smaller players in recent years, notably Isaiah Thomas. Nembhard would be a low-risk flier who could come in and compete to earn a spot. He has already proven to have NBA-level chops as a rookie on a bad team, and he has the pedigree to be a difference-maker.
If it doesn’t work out and the height is ultimately too much to overcome, there’s still no harm in cutting him loose after training camp or giving him a G League contract with the Maine Celtics. But there’s zero risk here for Boston, and plenty of potential upside at a position of need. Brad and his team should make the call.
Add us as a preferred source on Google