Career Timeline of Ryan Kelly (basketball): Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 6, 2026

How Ryan Kelly (basketball) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ryan Matthew Kelly is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Fukui Blowinds in Japan's B.League. Before turning professional, Kelly played college basketball at Duke University. He is known for his skills on the court as a basketball player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: McDonald's All-American and Jordan Brand All-American selection

In 2009, Ryan Kelly was named a McDonald's All-American and a Jordan Brand All-American. He was also rated as a top 20 overall player by Scout.com (No. 12), ESPN.com (No. 17) and Rivals.com (No. 20).

September 20, 2013: Signed with Los Angeles Lakers

On September 20, 2013, Ryan Kelly signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA.

February 5, 2014: Career-High 26 Points

On February 5, 2014, Ryan Kelly scored a career-high 26 points in a 119–108 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

June 29, 2014: Lakers Tendered Qualifying Offer

On June 29, 2014, the Los Angeles Lakers tendered a $1 million qualifying offer to Ryan Kelly, making him a restricted free agent.

July 21, 2014: Re-signed with the Lakers

On July 21, 2014, Ryan Kelly re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers to a two-year deal.

January 30, 2015: Reassigned to the D-Fenders

On January 30, 2015, Ryan Kelly was reassigned to the Los Angeles D-Fenders, only to be recalled the next day.

2015: Multiple Assignments to the Los Angeles D-Fenders

During the 2015 season, Ryan Kelly received multiple assignments to the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

September 20, 2016: Signed with the Atlanta Hawks

On September 20, 2016, Ryan Kelly signed with the Atlanta Hawks.

January 6, 2017: Waived by the Hawks

On January 6, 2017, Ryan Kelly was waived by the Atlanta Hawks after appearing in nine games.

January 13, 2017: Acquired by the Maine Red Claws

On January 13, 2017, Ryan Kelly was acquired by the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League.

February 24, 2017: Returned to the Hawks

On February 24, 2017, Ryan Kelly returned to the Atlanta Hawks after signing a multi-year contract with the team.

June 28, 2017: Traded to the Houston Rockets

On June 28, 2017, Ryan Kelly was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for cash considerations.

July 7, 2017: Waived by the Rockets

On July 7, 2017, Ryan Kelly was waived by the Houston Rockets before his $1.5 million contract for 2017–18 became guaranteed.

September 12, 2017: Signed with Real Betis Energía Plus

On September 12, 2017, Ryan Kelly signed with Real Betis Energía Plus of the Spanish Liga ACB.

2018: Signed with Sun Rockers Shibuya

In 2018, Ryan Kelly signed with the Sun Rockers Shibuya of the Japanese B.League.

2023: Played final season for Sun Rockers Shibuya

Ryan Kelly played for the Sun Rockers Shibuya through the 2023–24 season.

2024: Signed with Fukui Blowinds

In 2024, Ryan Kelly signed with the Fukui Blowinds of the Japanese B.League.

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