Pelicans: Matt Ryan Talks 'Appreciation, Gratitude' For Opportunity
The Pelicans 111-104 against the Memphis Grizzlies jumpstarted because of reserve forward Matt Ryan's play off the bench. On Sunday, Ryan signed with New Orleans for the team's last two-way contract. An assistant coach asked Ryan if he could be ready to play about four minutes in the Pels season opener. Instead, he played 14 minutes and tied a career-high with three 3-pointers in a game.
Ryan spoke to reporters postgame, and while he admitted it was his first time doing postgame interviews in the NBA, he appreciated the opportunity to be here. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ryan briefly worked for DoorDash and did landscaping jobs. He never gave up his dream of playing in the NBA and continued practicing in the gym daily.
"It's gratitude and thanks to everyone who stuck with me during that time and continued to support me. The reason why I put in all this work is because I truly believed I could play at this level," Ryan told reporters.
"It would have been easy to stop or take a midlevel job somewhere in Europe, but I wanted to play in the NBA. I always did.....and I'm going to continue to try and show it."
Oct 25, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) reacts with forward Matt Ryan (37) after a three point basket during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan may get plenty of opportunities early in the season with injuries to Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy III. His shooting in the second quarter was contagious as New Orleans went 6/12 in the period to turn a 3-point deficit into a 10-point lead at the half. Ryan registered a +20 while on the floor for New Orleans. His teammates are happy to see him in a Pels uniform.
"I'm glad he's with us this time," Zion Williamson told the media. No doubt this is in reference to Ryan in a Lakers uniform last season when he hit the game-tying three-point shot against New Orleans to send the game into overtime. The Lakers won 120-117.
Although it may seem strange for Pelicans fans to see Matt Ryan in a New Orleans uniform, the sharpshooting forward understands his role on the team and is determined to excel. Ryan said, "I'm always in rhythm. That's my job. I got to be in rhythm, and even if I'm not, I have to convince myself that I am." It will take little convincing from Pelicans fans if Ryan continues performing like in his first game.
