Pelicans Sharpshooter Matt Ryan 'Close' To Returning To The Court After Missing 29 NBA Games

After missing the last 29 games dealing with rehabbing his elbow, Pelicans forward Matt Ryan is almost ready to return to game action.

New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Pelicans forward Matt Ryan is close to a return to the court. The 6 foot 6 sharpshooter told reporters after shootaround on Monday that he feels "fantastic" and is "close" to playing again soon. Ryan has missed the last 29 games with an elbow injury that required surgery to remove loose bodies on his shooting arm. 

Despite his long absence, he still leads the team in three-point shooting percentage (47.1%) for players who have attempted at least ten three-point shots this season.

"The shot is completely back", Ryan told reporters when asked how he feels in practice after rehabbing for five weeks. "Now it's just about getting my body ready to go into an NBA game and have an impact and being able to play with no hesitation or limitations." 

Dec 26, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Matt Ryan (37) reacts to a three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

He certainly made an impact early with the Pelicans this season. New Orleans signed him to a two-way contract off waivers to bolster some shooting depth in the absence of Trey Murphy III. 

Ryan immediately showcased his long-distance shooting ability, scoring a career-high 20 points on six made three-point shots in a victory over Detroit early in the season. Through the first 13 games of the season, Ryan was second on the team in three-point attempts and three-pointers made.

The Pelicans are somewhat going through a renaissance in three-point shooting this season. New Orleans is coming off a franchise-best 25 made three-pointers on Wednesday night. The team is currently No. 3 in the league in three-point shooting percentage (38.7%) after finishing last season at No. 14. 

Having Trey Murphy III, Jordan Hawkins, and Ryan regularly on the floor to provide spacing has to be enticing to head coach Willie Green. The trio has not played a game together this season.

"I can't wait to join it, in any way I can," Ryan told the local media. "I saw our shooters get up around ten threes. If I can get up there and get up seven or eight, then we'll be tough to guard." The volume of three-point shots is a hot-button issue around the organization. 

Coach Green encouraged his team to attempt at least 40 three-pointers per game. When the Pelicans reach that mark, they are undefeated on the year. Currently, New Orleans averages 31.5 a game. According to Betting TX, data there suggests the Pelicans will be an elite three-point shooting team when Ryan returns.

Ryan's return to the court should boost those attempt numbers, provided he gets the playing time upon return. With the recent trade of Kira Lewis, Jr, the Pels roster is at 13, with a couple of roster spots open. 

New Orleans could convert Ryan's two-way contract into a roster spot at some point this season. When, or if that happens remains to be seen. Ryan will stay ready and be willing to produce when his number is called.