Knicks secure rights to sharpshooter Matt Ryan as potential depth piece

The Knicks used two G-League draft picks over the weekend to secure the rights to one free agent they are looking to sign and another who was injured and released at the end of training camp. 

Matt Ryan, a 27-year-old forward from New Rochelle who has played for four NBA teams, was selected by the Westchester Knicks with the first overall pick. 

The Knicks, who still need to get from their current 12-man roster to 14, are expected to sign Ryan, but they haven’t yet officially because even a slight delay on a prorated minimum salary will help them stay under the second apron on the salary cap. 

Landry Shamet appeared set to make the team and be in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation after a strong preseason showing on a non-guaranteed deal, but he was waived earlier in October after suffering a dislocated right shoulder. 

Thibodeau replied “we’ll see how it goes” when asked before Monday’s game against the Cavaliers if there is a plan in place for Ryan and Shamet. 

“Obviously, Landry is going through the rehab process. We’re excited about Matt, just because of the skill set, the shooting,” Thibodeau added. “Feel like you can’t have enough shooting, but we like both guys a lot.” 

The 6-foot-6 Ryan is a 41.1 percent shooter from 3-point range in 63 NBA games with the Celtics, Lakers, Timberwolves and Pelicans. 

Rookie center Ariel Hukporti got second-unit time in the second half over Jericho Sims, finishing with a career-high 12 minutes with two rebounds and one blocked shot. 

The 6-11 Hukporti did drive through the lane for a slam in the fourth quarter, but he was whistled for an offensive foul. Sims logged four minutes after averaging 19.5 over the first two games. 

“Getting a look at someone different to try to change it up,” Thibodeau said. “Their bigs are pretty dynamic. We wanted to see what it would look like … I thought [Hukporti’s] minutes were solid. 

Miles McBride scored 14 points in 29 minutes off the bench after appearing on Sunday’s injury report with a knee issue.