New York Knicks Adds Much Needed Backcourt Depth, What Is Next? Reserve Guard Suffers Hamstring Injury

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the New York Knicks have agreed to a contract with NBA veteran Matt Ryan. ESPN’s Shams Charania said that the signing will occur sometime this week, likely tomorrow, though it could be later if the deal is a two-way deal.

“The New York Knicks are signing shooter Matt Ryan to a deal this week, sources tell ESPN, Charania tweeted.

New York Knicks Adds Much Needed Backcourt Depth, What Is Next? Reserve Guard Suffers Hamstring Injury

The news of Ryan playing for his hometown team is several weeks in the making. The White Plains (NY) native has been linked to the Knicks since being released by the New Orleans Pelicans on October 10. He has been participating in training camp with the Knicks’ affiliate, Westchester Knicks, after being the top selection in the G-League Draft late last month.

New York has been carrying 12 players on standard contracts since October 22. So, the Knicks will officially need to add two players on standard contracts by tomorrow. NBA rules permit teams to carry fewer than 14 players on standard deals for up to 28 days but not more than 14 consecutive days.

Earlier today, Charania reported that the Knicks agreed to convert Ariel Hukporti’s two-way contract to a two-year standard deal. The Dallas Mavericks drafted Hukporti with the No. 58 overall pick in this year’s draft, but he was dealt to the Knicks on draft day for the right to Melvin Ajinca.

Hukporti has been active for all six games, including tonight’s game against Houston, meaning he would only be eligible to suit up 44 times if he was still on a two-way deal. So, it makes sense that the 7-footer gets one of the standard spots with Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson, who are reportedly out until at least January, remaining sidelined.

Although Hukporti has only played 29 minutes this season, the 22-year-old center has dramatically impacted the defensive end. He has been excellent defensively individually and has been statistically a top-shot-blocker and defensive rebounder per 100 possessions.

What Matt Ryan Brings To NY

New York chose to carry 12 players early on because they were up against the second tax apron, where the Knicks are hard-capped. By giving Hukporti a standard deal, the Knicks added just over $1 million to their cap, leaving them about $2.5 million under the second apron.

Therefore, the Knicks have enough space to sign Ryan to a standard contract. Although the Knicks can sign the 27-year-old to a two-way deal, that makes no sense as they would have to sign another player to a standard deal.  Depending on how the NBA determines Ryan’s experience, he will earn the prorated rate of either the veteran’s third ($2.16 million) or fourth-year veteran minimum ($2.3 million).

Ryan is best known for 3-point shooting ability. Ryan, who appeared in 28 games for New Orleans last season, has made 1.2 treys a game at a 41.1% clip in 63 career games.

Overall, Ryan owns career averages of 4.4 points and 1.2 threes with shooting splits of .398/.411/.885. He has scored in double-figures 11 times, topping the 20-point mark once.

While the Knicks (3-2) led the league heading into tonight’s games, they could use another shooter. The Knicks were also 10th in 3-pointers made (13.6) but just 26th in 3-point attempts (32.6). Six players average at least one trey a game, while seven players average three 3-pointers a contest.

What Is Next For The Knicks?

More importantly, Ryan’s addition adds to the Knicks’ overall depth. Coach Tom Thibodeau has been essentially using an eight-man rotation, with Miles McBride, Cam Payne, and Jericho Sims manning the second unit. Ryan is capable of playing 1-thru-4, though he is most comfortable on the wing.

New York’s bench is one of the least productive in the league. The Knicks reserves are 29th (23.6 points a game), 28th in rebounding at (10.8), and 23rd (3.0) in 3-pointers.

Speaking of Payne, he missed tonight’s game due to a hamstring injury. That makes Ryan’s arrival even more important, as the 30-year-old guard could be sidelined for a few games, depending on how severe the injury is. The Knicks have three more games this week, starting Wednesday in Atlanta.

Knicks Possible Open 2-Way Spot

If New York does sign Ryan to a standard contract, the Knicks would have an open two-way spot. Boo Buie and Alex O’Connell could be the leading candidates if the Knicks decide to go with in-house players. Buie and O’Connell are participating in Westchester’s training camp, which ends on Wednesday.

Buie signed an Exhibit 10 deal with New York late during training camp. The 24-year-old point guard, who played this summer for Phoenix, went undrafted out of Northwestern this year. O’Connell, who went last season in Italy’s Serie A League, was known for his shooting ability at Creighton and Duke.

Damion Baugh is another option. Currently in Westchester, Baugh played for the Knicks summer league squad and played in the G-League for the South Bay Lakers last season.  In 29 appearances with South Bay last year, the 6-2 guard totaled 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals.

New York could also look outside the organization to fill their open 2-way spot. While Ryan is the most likely candidate to fill in for any time that Payne misses with his injury, rookie Tyler Kolek got the first chance against the Rockets to fill the team’s eighth man.