Breaking: Detroit Pistons Are Reportedly on the Verge of Landing Highly Rated Elite Sharpshooter

On Thursday, the New Orleans Pelicans took steps to trim their training camp roster to 19 players, releasing Adonis Arms and Matt Ryan, as reported by Michael Scotto from Hoopshype.

Arms, who went undrafted from Texas Tech in 2022, has spent the last two years with the G-League teams Grand Rapids Gold (associated with the Denver Nuggets) and Memphis Hustle (affiliated with the Grizzlies). He participated in the summer league with the Sacramento Kings, playing six games and averaging 13.8 points with a 56.7% shooting percentage. He didn’t see action in the Pelicans’ first preseason game. Arms was likely waived to return to the G-League Birmingham Squadron, where he signed an Exhibit 10 contract that guarantees him $ 77,500 if he stays with the Squadron for 60 days.

In contrast, Ryan’s release came as a surprise. The Pelicans had only 14 players on standard contracts, and Ryan possesses experience with 63 NBA games along with being a proficient 3-point shooter. Additionally, Trey Murphy III is currently facing a shoulder injury, which might keep him out for some time. Ryan was part of the Pelicans last season on a two-way contract, recording averages of 5.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.5 three-pointers while shooting impressively. He recorded double-digit points in seven of his 28 games, including a standout performance of over 20 points. Ryan was already waived once this summer, being let go from his two-way deal in August.

Ryan did get some preseason action but struggled, missing all his shots in just over eight minutes of play, with minimal stats across the board.

Regarding potential interest, the Detroit Pistons are seen as a possible destination for Ryan, thanks to his shooting skills. Insider Keith Langlois notes that the Pistons, who are in line for waiver claims due to their previous season’s record, might want to explore adding him. Their general manager, Trajan Langdon, is familiar with Ryan from their time together in New Orleans.

Last season, the Pistons struggled with 3-point shooting, ranking poorly in several categories. However, they have made some moves this offseason, including re-signing Simone Fontecchio and acquiring Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. Despite these efforts, they are still among the lowest in 3-point shooting efficiency this preseason.

If the Pistons don’t bring in another player, Lamar Stevens might be the frontrunner for the 15th roster spot.