The New York Knicks have made a significant move by signing sharpshooter Matt Ryan to add depth to their roster. Ryan, who previously played for the New Orleans Pelicans, is known for his impressive 3-point shooting percentage of 45.1%. Despite undergoing elbow surgery in December 2023, Ryan showed great potential by averaging nine points on 47.1% shooting from deep in the early part of last season.
Having been waived by the Pelicans in October, Ryan now has the opportunity to prove himself with the Knicks. His shooting abilities make him a valuable asset, but he will need to compete for playing time in a competitive rotation. The structure of Ryan’s contract will determine the extent of his role with the team, whether it be a standard deal or a two-way contract.
In addition to signing Ryan, the Knicks have also converted center Ariel Hukporti from a two-way contract to a standard one. This move provides flexibility for the team, as they could potentially re-sign Landry Shamet, who was waived after suffering a shoulder injury. Shamet is currently undergoing rehab with the Knicks’ G League affiliate, and once he is fully healthy, he may be brought back on a standard contract while Ryan could transition to a two-way deal.
With these recent roster changes, the Knicks now have a full complement of 14 players, meeting the league requirements. The team’s management is clearly looking to bolster their lineup and create opportunities for players to showcase their talents. As the NBA season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Ryan, Shamet, and Hukporti contribute to the Knicks’ success on the court.
