I still remember the first time I saw Matt Ryan on an NBA court—it was during a Celtics preseason game back in 2021, and honestly, I didn't think much of it at the time. Just another undrafted player fighting for a roster spot, I assumed. But as someone who's followed basketball for over two decades, both as a fan and analyst, I've learned that sometimes the most compelling stories come from those who enter the league through the back door rather than the red carpet. Ryan's journey reminds me of countless international prospects who've had to carve their own paths, including players like Jhustin Hallare from the University of the Philippines Integrated School, a 6-foot guard who earned UAAP Mythical Five honors alongside Cabanero before joining the national youth squad. These players share that underdog mentality—the kind that transforms overlooked talent into professional success stories.
When Ryan went undrafted in 2020 after his college career at Vanderbilt and Chattanooga, the odds were stacked against him. Statistically speaking, only about 2-3% of undrafted players manage to stick in the NBA for more than a couple of seasons. I've always had a soft spot for these longshots—there's something genuinely inspiring about watching someone defy the conventional scouting reports and analytics that often dictate a player's future. Ryan spent his first professional season in the G League with the Grand Rapids Gold, putting up respectable numbers—about 12.4 points per game while shooting 38% from three-point range. Those numbers don't jump off the page, but having watched several of his G League games, what impressed me was his basketball IQ and the clear improvement in his defensive positioning throughout the season.
What really turned heads—and what I believe was his true breakthrough moment—came during the 2022 NBA Summer League with the Denver Nuggets. Ryan exploded for 23 points in one game, going 6-for-11 from beyond the arc against the Cleveland Cavaliers. I remember texting fellow analysts that night saying "this kid's not going back to the G League." His shooting mechanics are textbook—quick release, high arc, and that confident follow-through that all great shooters share. It's the kind of form that makes you think he could shoot 40% from three in the right system. The Lakers took notice and signed him to a two-way contract, and frankly, I thought it was one of the smarter low-risk moves of that offseason.
Ryan's time with the Lakers showcased both his potential and the limitations he still needed to overcome. In his NBA debut against Minnesota, he scored 11 points in just 12 minutes—efficient and impactful. But what many casual fans might not realize is that two-way players face an incredibly challenging balancing act. They practice with NBA teams but often play games in the G League, constantly adjusting to different systems, teammates, and expectations. I've spoken with several development coaches who work with these players, and they consistently mention the mental toll this back-and-forth takes. Ryan handled it better than most, maintaining his shooting stroke while showing gradual improvement on defense—though his lateral quickness remains what I'd consider his primary area for development.
The parallel between Ryan's path and that of international prospects like Jhustin Hallare isn't coincidental. Both represent what I like to call the "new wave" of basketball development—players who may not have the traditional pedigree but possess specialized skills that translate to modern NBA needs. Hallare, at 6-foot-0, earned his spot through the UAAP Mythical Five recognition—an honor that signals all-around excellence rather than just scoring prowess. Similarly, Ryan's value isn't just in his shooting percentage but in how he moves without the ball and spaces the floor—intangibles that analytics are only beginning to properly quantify.
When Boston claimed Ryan off waivers in 2023, I have to admit I was thrilled. As someone who's followed the Celtics' player development system for years, I recognized this as an ideal fit. Boston's system prioritizes spacing and three-point shooting, and Ryan's skill set aligns perfectly with what Coach Mazzulla wants from his role players. In his first month with the Celtics, he was shooting around 39% from deep on approximately 3.5 attempts per game—small sample size, yes, but promising nonetheless. What's more impressive to me is his improved defensive rating, which dropped from 114.2 with the Lakers to 108.9 with Boston—evidence that he's putting in the work where it matters most.
Looking at Ryan's career trajectory, I'm reminded of players like Duncan Robinson—another undrafted shooter who carved out a significant role on a contender. The NBA has evolved to value specialized skills more than ever before, and Ryan's journey proves that there are multiple paths to success in this league. While he may never become an All-Star, I genuinely believe he can develop into a reliable rotation player—the kind of "glue guy" that championship teams need. His current contract situation—reportedly a two-year deal with partial guarantees—reflects both the caution teams still exercise with undrafted players and the growing belief in his potential.
As I reflect on Ryan's story, what stands out isn't just the statistical improvement or the highlight-reel shots, but the persistence required to transform from an undrafted prospect into an NBA regular. In many ways, his journey mirrors that of international prospects working through alternative pathways—players like Hallare developing through the UAAP and national team systems rather than the American college pipeline. Both routes require something beyond talent: resilience, adaptability, and that quiet confidence that keeps you going when the odds seem impossible. Ryan's NBA story is still being written, but already it serves as a powerful reminder that in today's game, how you enter matters far less than what you do with the opportunity once you arrive.
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