You may have noticed “Matt Ryan” trending on Twitter late Monday night. No, not the one who famously blew a 25-point lead to the Patriots in Super Bowl LI, but the 6’7” Celtics forward who erupted for 23 points, none bigger than his go-ahead three to stun Milwaukee in the Las Vegas Summer League. Ryan tweaked his ankle on the play, but didn’t seem any worse for the wear.
It was an impressive performance from Ryan, who spent most of last season in the G League, though he did appear in the Celtics’ regular-season finale, draining a three-pointer for his first NBA bucket in a win over Memphis. Considered the top prep prospect in his home state of New York, the New Rochelle native has taken a circuitous route to the NBA, going undrafted after a chaotic college career that saw him attend three schools, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and finally Chattanooga as a grad transfer. Ryan accepted an invite to play for the Cavs’ Summer League team last year and later tried out for Denver, though the Nuggets would ultimately reassign him to their G-League affiliate in Grand Rapids. The Celtics would give him his first real opportunity, signing Ryan to a “two-way deal” in February.
“It's been a crazy 11 months. I was home for a year and a half,” said Ryan after his star turn Monday night. “I was driving Door Dash a year ago. To be here, to be a part of the Boston Celtics, is special.”
The 25-year-old isn’t guaranteed a roster spot next season, and, even if he makes the team out of training camp, will probably play sparingly, continuing to split time between the Celtics and their G-League team in Maine. But it’s still a remarkable story and a testament to Ryan’s will and determination, defying the odds in pursuit of a dream that, as recently as last year, seemed all but impossible.
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