REPORT: Knicks set to add sniper Matt Ryan to NBA roster

The New York Knicks are expected to sign sharpshooter Matt Ryan to a standard NBA contract after securing his rights in the G League Draft over the weekend, according to Peter Botte of the New York Post.

Ryan, a 27-year-old forward known for his three-point shooting, was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Westchester Knicks, New York’s G League affiliate, on Saturday’s draft.

The Knicks, currently boasting a barebones 12-man roster, need to fill two more standard contract spots by November 5, and Ryan appears to be on his way there given his shooting skill set and potential fit in head coach Tom Thibodeau’s system.

Asked about it following Monday’s loss to the Cavs, Thibodeau replied “We’ll see how it goes” to the question of whether or not the Knicks have crafted a plan to land and use Ryan—and Landry Shamet, also drafted by the Westchester Knicks—in the near future.

“Obviously, Landry is going through the rehab process. We’re excited about Matt, just because of the skill set, the shooting.

“Feel like you can’t have enough shooting, but we like both guys a lot.” — Tom Thibodeau

Ryan, a 6-foot-6 forward, has a career three-point shooting percentage of 41.1% over 63 NBA games with the Celtics, Lakers, Timberwolves, and Pelicans.

According to Botte, the delay in signing Ryan to a standard contract is just related to financial reasons and saving some money trying to dodge the dreaded second apron.

For now, and until the roster move is official, Westchester has the G League rights to Ryan. That doesn’t prevent him from signing elsewhere, mind you, but Thibs pretty much let it be openly known that he’ll be a Knick within the next few hours or days.

Welcome back home, Matty!