The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the most intriguing teams in the Western Conference heading into next season. Last year, they made the play-in, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the seventh-place game, but they beat the Sacramento Kings to secure the eighth spot.
Eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, New Orleans was without Zion Williamson, who was injured in the play-in tournament. Williamson had played a career-high 70 games, making the untimely injury even more frustrating.
After that first-round exit, the Pelicans have some tough decisions to make about the direction of their team, and that includes some marginal roster changes. In a report Friday from Shams Charania of The Athletic, it was announced that New Orleans has waived 6-foot-2 forward Matt Ryan.
Ryan averaged nine points and shot 50 percent from three-point range in the first month of last season in New Orleans. With his release, the Pelicans freed up a roster spot for Javonte Green and left the 15th spot open.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 23, 2024
It’s one of the marginal decisions New Orleans has had to make as it rounds out its roster for next season.
Team general manager David Griffin spoke after the season ended about New Orleans’ current outlook following its first-round elimination.
“I think you’ll see a real sense of urgency among all of us.”
David Griffin recaps Pelicans’ season pic.twitter.com/VxuoOiooi5
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 30, 2024
Ryan began his career with the Denver Nuggets organization, signing with them in 2021 as an undrafted free agent. Never appearing in an NBA game for Denver, Ryan played 28 games for the G League affiliate (Grand Rapids Gold).
Ryan was released by the Nuggets in October 2021.
OFFICIAL: We have signed Giorgi Bezhanishvili to an Exhibit 10 contract and waived Matt Ryan. #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/KlEPniQMEF
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 11, 2021
In 63 NBA games for the Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, Ryan averaged 4.4 points in 11.2 minutes per game.
With a 41.1 percent three-point shooting percentage (74/180), Ryan could attract some interest as a free agent.
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