Ryan Kelly Signs Contract with Atlanta Hawks
February 24, 2017 - NBA G League (G League)
Maine Celtics News Release
PORTLAND, Maine - February 24, 2017 - The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, announced today that Ryan Kelly has earned a GATORADE Call-Up to the NBA, signing a contract with the Atlanta Hawks.
Kelly began the season in Atlanta, when he earned a GATORADE Call-Up to the Hawks before the start of Red Claws training camp. Kelly played in 9 games for the Hawks this season, before getting waived on Jan. 6.
He joined the Red Claws on Jan. 24, playing in 8 games with Maine. In those games, Kelly averaged 22.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. On Jan. 28, Kelly set a franchise record with 17 defensive rebounds in a game.
A four-year standout at Duke, Kelly was a 2nd Round (48th Overall) selection by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2013 NBA Draft. He played 147 games for the Lakers over three seasons, including 59 starts. In all, Kelly has lifetime averages of 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in the NBA.
The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, begin a five-game road trip tonight at Greensboro. Maine does not return to the Portland Expo until March 9 when it faces Westchester. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling 207-210-6655 or visiting MaineRedClaws.com.
About the Maine Red Claws 2016-17 marks the eighth season for the Maine Red Claws. The Red Claws have been the minor league affiliate of the Boston Celtics since their inaugural season of 2009-10, and 2016-17 marks the fifth season of a"hybrid" affiliation between the two teams. Under the hybrid model, the Boston Celtics have contracted to run the basketball operations for the Maine Red Claws, including the hiring and training of the coaching and training staff as well as the all player transactions and will act as the Red Claws' sole NBA partner. The Red Claws play their home games at the Portland Expo Building. The franchise is owned and operated by Maine Basketball, LLC, which is principally owned by Bill Ryan Sr., the retired chairman of TD Bank, and Bill Ryan Jr. who serves as the team's chairman.
About the NBA Development League The NBA Development League is the NBA's official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league's research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 39 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com. ###
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