Ryan Kelly Signs Non-Guaranteed Contract with Atlanta

January 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) scores a basket against Golden State Warriors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) scores a basket against Golden State Warriors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Small and Power Forward Ryan Kelly Signs a contract with the Atlanta Hawks.

Ryan Kelly a versatile forward has signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Atlanta Hawks according to Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation.

All his contract means is he has the option explore opportunities with other teams at any time.

This is also gives the player the option to leave when he wants if things don’t work out.

Ryan Kelly had a fantastic career at Duke University.

When he was drafted by the Lakers he was expected to have a great future with the team.

Unfortunately for both parties this did not come into fruition.

At the beginning of his career he struggled.

Then he learned and improved his game, one game at a time.

Who can blame him?

Ryan Kelly hasn’t had much consistency with the Lakers, whether it be the coaching staff or playing time.

The 2015 NBA regular season wasn’t much better for him or the Lakers.

He has learned how to play different positions, while being on the Lakers.

He was called to guard quick small forwards as a big power forward.

Quick sidenote: normally true power forwards who are big men, don;t usually guard small forwards who are usually quick and small.

Ryan Kelly was asked to do this last year.

Last year on defense he may have struggled, but the mismatch benefited him on defense, which allowed him to post up the smaller opposing players.

Ryan Kelly played in 36 games in the 2015 season.

He averaged 4.2 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 0.3 blocks per game.

His careers stats are higher, yet they are not much drastically different.

Kellys’ career stats are, 6.5 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, and 0.5 blocks per game.

Ryan Kelly has a very good three point shot and knows how to drive off the dribble and to the basket.

The Lakers did not use Kelly correctly in their systems to help the team improve.

He needs to be on a team where his skill set and talent fit in.

Ryan Kelly signed with the Hawks in hopes to one day when a championship with another talented team.

Also I am sure he wants more playing time and wants to prove his critics wrong.

All he needs is a coach who uses him properly in their system and game plan that allows him to shine as an individual and a team player.

Ryan Kelly is a great team player as is evident by when he played at Duke.

Atlanta suits his skill set very well.

He shall shine on their team with a newly acquired Dwight Howard and Al Horford gone.

Lastly he can learn under veteran power forward Paul Millsap.

Ryan Kelly is just waiting for his time to shine.

He is working hard to show everyone how good he is, while he is waiting for his time to shine.

Ryan Kelly moved on with the Atlanta Hawks, because it did not work out with the Lakers.

Next: Luke Walton Claims Lakers Young Core are Improving

This league is a business as well.

There may be more to his decision that we do not know.