After a week of rumors, it was announced today by the Denver Nuggets that they are signing point guard Ryan Nembhard to a two-way contract.
After receiving multiple two-way offers, Ryan Nembhard has chosen to sign with Denver, which was seen as the leader in the clubhouse from the jump.
The Nuggets must waive one of their three current two-ways to formally add Nembhard and are expected to part ways with KJ Simpson. https://t.co/x7BXwbbiTm pic.twitter.com/SOTuRFOXPZ
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 30, 2026
Nembhard, 23, spent his rookie season last year with the Dallas Mavericks and played over 1,100 minutes, averaging 6.6 points and 5.3 assists in 19.5 minutes per game.
Nembhard is an undersized point guard officially listed at 5’11” but plays with the needed agility and burst and create space at the NBA level. He also sees the floor very well, averaging 6.8 assists in the 27 games he started for the Mavericks last year.
The Nuggets have spoken consistently about the need to address ball handling and playmaking. While the team didn’t make any major trades or signings to solidify their backup point guard spot, they’ve now added a variety of options with the potential to help out: Nembhard joins Tyus Jones, DeMar DeRozan, Cam Whitmore, and Lonnie Walker IV as backups who can create plays on the ball.
To make room for Nembhard, the Nuggets are waiving KJ Simpson, another backup point guard with ties to the Colorado area as a former CU Buff. Simpson never received an extended opportunity and perhaps has more to offer another team, but the Nuggets have had their eye on Nembhard after some impressive playmaking performances last season.
Currently, veteran Tyus Jones has the inside track on the Nuggets backup point guard spot. That could change during the season if the plan doesn’t work, and injury absences are sure to impact Denver’s rotation at some point. Nembhard, if he can consistently push the pace and create windows of opportunity for his teammates, will get an opportunity to contribute.
The Nuggets currently have one open roster spot. Perhaps that will be filled in the near future, but if Denver goes into the season with an empty 15th spot, expect two-way contracts Ryan Nembhard, Cam Whitmore, and rookie Bryce Hopkins to all vie for that position.
