BREAKING: New Orleans Pelicans Allegedly Cut Ex-Denver Nuggets G League Player
The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the most intriguing teams in the Western Conference as they head into the new season. Last year, they entered the play-in tournament, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers for the seventh seed but securing the eighth seed by defeating the Sacramento Kings.
However, the Pelicans were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, and their performance was hampered by the absence of Zion Williamson, who was injured during the play-in tournament. This was particularly disappointing given Williamson’s career-high 70-game season, making his injury all the more frustrating.
Following this early playoff exit, the Pelicans face tough decisions about their team’s future, including some roster adjustments. On Friday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that New Orleans has waived 6-foot-6 forward Matt Ryan, a move among several the team must consider as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
Pelicans general manager David Griffin discussed the team’s outlook after their first-round exit.
Matt Ryan began his career with the Denver Nuggets, signing as an undrafted free agent in 2021 but did not appear in any NBA games for Denver, playing 28 games with their G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. He was waived by the Nuggets in October 2021.
Throughout his NBA career with the Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Boston Celtics, Ryan has played 63 games, averaging 4.4 points in 11.2 minutes per game. As a career 41.1 percent three-point shooter, Ryan could attract interest as a free agent.
