Mavericks' Free Agent Target Analysis: Wesley Matthews
Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Our third candidate for a possible Monta replacement is one that people are either totally for, or totally against. He’s been the starting two guard for the Portland Trailblazers for the past few years and has improved by leaps and bounds since entering the league. Wesley Matthews is another prime candidate for taking over Ellis’ job, should he leave this summer, so let’s take a look at this free agent to be.
Career History:
Wesley, or Wes, Matthews attended Marquette University from 2005-2009, playing out all four years of his eligibility. After scoring about 18 points per game, grabbing almost 6 rebounds per game, and nearly 3 assists per game in his senior year, Matthews entered the 2009 NBA draft. Even after a terrific senior season, Matthews went undrafted and was forced to find a summer league team to give him a chance. The Utah Jazz were impressed with his play in the summer league and signed him to a one year deal for the 2009-2010 season. Matthews began as the second string shooting guard behind Ronnie Brewer, but Brewer was later traded, bumping Matthews into the starting five. Wes ended up playing in all 82 games that year and averaged about 9 points, 3 boards, and 2 assists per game. Matthews went into 2010 summer with uncertainty, but he was restricted by Utah. Portland offered Matthews a five year, $34 million dollar contract, and the Jazz declined to match the offer, making him a Trailblazer for the next five years. Matthews shined as a starter for the Trailblazers: He shot nearly 40% from behind the arc all five years, averaged 15+ points per game in 3 of his 5 seasons, and improved on both ends of the floor each year. Matthews is now an unrestricted free agent for the first time and could really fill a potential hole for the Mavs.
PROS AND CONS OF WES MATTHEWS:
Pros:
• Scoring: Wes Matthews has really emerged as one of the knockdown three point shooters in the past few seasons, but that isn’t the only way he scores the ball. Wes shoots nearly 40% from behind the arc, and nearly 50% when he steps inside the line. Matthews’ go-to move seems to be the step-back three; he’s extremely confident shooting it, and he finds the perfect amount of space when he does. Matthews is big enough and quick enough to blow by his defender when being guarded on the three-point line, and he knows how to score around the rim. Matthews doesn’t have the greatest mid-range shot, but the rest of his offense makes up for it. Any kind of scoring threat would be an immediate help to Dallas’ lineup.
• Defense: Many have begun to make the statement that Matthews is becoming the best two-way guard in the NBA. If you don’t know what I mean by “two-way guard”, it means he’s one of the most talented players when it comes to a balance of defense and offense. Matthews is 6’5 and is built like a running back, making him stronger than most of his opponents, plus he’s quick. Ellis was a terrific player, but his defense isn’t even in the same category as Matthews. Wes’ perimeter defense is incredible; he limits his opponents’ movement and is always a pest when a shot goes up. Any defensive upgrade the Mavs can find this summer without giving up too much offense is welcomed.
• Age: Matthews has only been in the league for 5 years, but he’s 28 years old. As a 28-year-old veteran, Wes is entering the prime of his career with a perfect amount of maturity. This mixture of age and experience would allow Dallas the comfort of locking Matthews up to a multi-year deal, while keeping them in “win now” mode.
Cons:
• Turnovers: Matthews is decent with the ball, but he isn’t as good as he should be for a shooting guard. Matthews only averages about 1 turnover a game, but he seems to lose the ball at times when it really counts. Matthews shoots the ball well at the ends of games, but the ball shouldn’t be in his hands down the wire to dribble. Feed him the ball, and he’ll score, just don’t expect him to find his own shot when you need it the most.
• Injury: Wes Matthews isn’t actually injury prone, but he suffered a pretty nasty one this past season. Matthews tore his Achilles tendon against, ironically, the Mavericks. Matthews had to have surgery, but he is apparently ahead of schedule. He could be back just as strong, but expectations should never be too high for someone suffering an injury like that. This could actually end up being a positive for the Mavs for a few reasons: a lot of teams could pass on him, letting the Mavs make a lower offer to him, and Dallas has one of, if not the best training staffs in the NBA. We’ll just have to wait for the summer to see how this injury affects his free agency and Dallas’ pursuit of him.
Wesley Matthews is extremely talented, but he could be looking for more money than he’s worth. He would be very easy to overpay for many reasons, but the Mavs need to make sure that that doesn’t happen. His last contract was worth nearly $7 million a year, but that price may go down because of his injury. Many expect him to make a return to Portland next year, but I wouldn’t count on it. C.J. McCollum is a young backup to Wes in Portland, and he is really beginning to come into his own. Keeping McCollum and letting Matthews walk would be a cheaper option, and they wouldn’t have to worry about the torn Achilles tendon. I’m not saying he comes to Dallas, but don’t be shocked if he leaves Portland. Matthews will have plenty of suitors this summer, and the Mavs should be one of them if Monta walks. Wesley was actually born in Texas, but who knows if this is even a factor. Matthews could fall right into Dallas’ lap this summer, and I actually hope he does for a reasonable price. He could be a perfect fit if he gets healthy.
Statistics via ESPN.com
