After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, Matt Ryan worked for food delivery apps soon after to earn money while still focusing on his dream of making the league. That became realized on April 10, 2022, as Ryan appeared for the Celtics in their regular season finale. He has since seen action in the NBA in each of the following three seasons, including 22 games for the Timberwolves in 2022-23. Now 28 years old, Ryan is looking to hang on to his NBA career and find his way into the league again.
Knicks signed Matt Ryan to a training camp deal
On Monday, the Knicks announced all three of their two-way contract signings, as well as signing some players to their training camp roster. One of those players who will be with them in training camp is the 6-foot-6 Ryan.
Ryan actually played for New York last season, albeit in limited action, and he was eventually waived. That is how his NBA career has gone thus far. While he has appeared in each of the last four seasons, Ryan has appeared in just 82 regular season games. He also saw action in one playoff game for the Pelicans in 2024 (3 minutes).
The New York native doesn’t display high-level athleticism, but the reason teams give him an opportunity is due to his outside shooting. During his NBA career, Ryan has connected on 80 three-pointers on 199 attempts (40.2%). He has made just shy of 40% of his three-point tries in the G League.
The path to an opening day spot on the Knicks roster for Ryan looks gloomy. Even if he doesn’t garner one for New York, he still has the opportunity to show another team that he deserves a chance.
Ryan saw action with the Timberwolves in 2022-23
As mentioned, Ryan participated in 22 games for the Timberwolves in the 2022-23 season. After being waived by the Lakers, he joined the Wolves on a two-way deal in late December of 2022. Ryan would go on to sign another two-way contract with Minnesota in the 2023 offseason, but he was waived prior to the regular season beginning.
With Minnesota, Ryan played 8.2 minutes per game, posting averages of 3.4 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists while shooting 19-49 (38.8%) from three-point territory. Three times while on the Timberwolves, he reached double figures in scoring, with a high of 11 points coming on February 7, 2023, against the Nuggets.