As the NBA offseason winds down, the pool of available free agents diminishes, making it increasingly challenging for teams to find valuable additions to their rosters. However, with the New Orleans Pelicans’ recent decision to waive forward Matt Ryan, a unique opportunity has arisen for NBA teams. Ryan is a player who could provide a significant boost to a team’s three-point shooting without requiring a large financial commitment, making him an ideal low-risk, medium-reward signing.
NBA Teams Should Sign Perfect Shooting Forward Thanks To The Pelicans Cheaping Out
Matt Ryan’s Shooting Prowess
Matt Ryan’s journey to the NBA has been unconventional. After a college career that saw him play for multiple schools, including Chattanooga, Ryan went undrafted in 2020 and spent time in the G League before earning brief stints with the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers. It wasn’t until the start of the 2023-24 season that Ryan truly made his mark when the Pelicans claimed him off waivers and quickly integrated him into their lineup as a three-point specialist.
Ryan’s ability to shoot the three-ball at an elite level is his calling card. Last season, he shot an impressive 45.1 percent from beyond the arc on 8.4 attempts per 36 minutes. This shooting efficiency translated to a true-shooting percentage of 63.8 percent. In an NBA landscape where floor spacing and perimeter shooting are more valuable than ever, Ryan’s skill set is highly sought after.
The Pelicans’ Decision: A Financial Move, Not a Basketball One
The Pelicans’ decision to waive Ryan was not a reflection of his basketball abilities. Instead, it was a financial move driven by the team’s desire to avoid paying the luxury tax. With 14 guaranteed contracts on their roster and a focus on financial prudence, the Pelicans were unwilling to commit to Ryan’s $2.0 million contract, which was set to guarantee on the first day of the season.
This move highlights a broader trend in the NBA, where teams sometimes prioritize financial flexibility over retaining valuable role players. For other teams in the NBA, this presents an opportunity to acquire a proven shooter in Matt Ryan at a minimal cost.
Potential Landing Spots: Teams in Need of Shooting
Several teams across the NBA are in desperate need of improved three-point shooting, making Matt Ryan an ideal candidate to fill that gap. Among the worst three-point shooting teams in the 2023-24 season were the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Let’s examine why each of these teams should consider signing Ryan.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have built a reputation as a tough, defensive-minded team, but their three-point shooting has been inconsistent. Adding Ryan could provide the spacing they need to complement their dynamic backcourt of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
San Antonio Spurs
With the addition of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are looking to build a roster that maximizes their young star’s potential. Ryan’s shooting could help create the space Wembanyama needs to operate inside, making him a valuable addition to a team focused on player development.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors struggled with perimeter shooting last season. Outside of Gradey Dick and Immanuel Quickley, Toronto needs reliable shooters. Ryan’s ability to knock down threes could help balance their offense and provide much-needed spacing.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild and are prioritizing the development of players like Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma. Adding a sharpshooter like Ryan could help ease the offensive burden on these young stars while allowing the team to remain competitive from beyond the arc.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have a young core centered around LaMelo Ball, who thrives in an up-tempo, three-point-heavy offense. Ryan’s shooting could fit perfectly into Charlotte’s system, providing Ball with another reliable target on the perimeter.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are a team with playoff aspirations, but their lack of consistent three-point shooting has been a concern. Ryan could come off the bench as a designated shooter, helping to open up the floor for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
The Last Word
In an NBA landscape where shooting is at a premium, Matt Ryan offers a low-risk, medium-reward option for teams looking to improve their three-point percentage. His elite shooting ability, coupled with his availability at a low financial cost, makes him an attractive target for several teams in need of spacing and scoring. While the Pelicans waived him for financial reasons, Ryan’s value on the court should not be overlooked, and he could be the missing piece for a team looking to make a leap in the upcoming season.
