The Ringer NBA Show While You Were Making Fake Giannis Trades: The Feisty Mavs, Deni’s Double Leap, and More. Plus, Who’s Cup Tough? | Group Chat
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Dec 8, 2025 The hosts dive into the impact of Ryan Nembhard, who's stabilizing the Mavs' lineup and unlocking Luka Doncic. Deni Avdija's impressive leap in scoring and playmaking sparks a debate on his potential stardom. They explore the ball-handler shortage across the league and how it changes team dynamics. Pat Spencer's unique transition from lacrosse to the NBA is highlighted as a fresh energy source for the Warriors. The Spurs' surprising success without Wemby's presence raises questions about their defensive strategy. Plus, a preview of the NBA Cup adds excitement to the conversation!
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Nembhard Brings Stability And Spacing
- Ryan Nembhard stabilized the Mavericks by bringing mistake-free ball-handling and pace to their offense.
- His presence enabled better spacing and unlocked Cooper's scoring and Najee Marshall's effectiveness.
Ball-Handler Shortage Creates New Roles
- Many teams currently lack a reliable primary ball-handler, creating demand for guards who can steer an offense.
- Development trends show guards being groomed as supplements to star ball-handlers rather than primary distributors.
Avdija’s Relentless, Malleable Breakout
- Deni Avdija has turned into a relentless, multi-tool offensive force who draws fouls and creates for others.
- He fits either as a primary creator on weak teams or an overqualified secondary piece on better rosters.