Fit
Since coming on to the NBA scene dating back to the 2009-10 season as a reserve player with the Jazz, Matthews has developed into a stable 3-and-D wing.
Matthews stands as a career 38.2 percent three-point shooter with just over half of his total shot attempts coming from long range, judging by his 51.1 percent three-point attempt rate.
As sound as that is, it’s important to note that Matthews’ overall three-point efficiency has taken a tumble to a more respectable range since his Achilles’ injury four years ago. With that said, it surely won’t be enough to view Matthews as a non-shooting threat.
Dive deeper into Matthews’ shot profile and there’s very tantalizing benefits to bringing the 32-year-old on board to help replicate what the Bucks will lose with Brogdon heading to the Hoosier State.
Case in point, Matthews ranked in the 98th percentile of players around the league when it came to scoring on spot up situations last year, per NBA.com/stats. For frame of reference, the Bucks generated the third-most spot up opportunities as a team last year, ranking just behind the Utah Jazz and the Orlando Magic.
As potent of a complementary offensive threat Matthews is at this stage, the big question stands on the defensive end. Matthews boasts great size at the 2-spot, standing in at 6’5″ and possessing a 6’9″ wingspan and once stood as one of the more premier perimeter defenders, thanks to his tireless work ethic and intensity.
But it’s fair to say Matthews’ best days as a defender are behind him, especially after his Achilles’ injury and plenty of miles and minutes (23,579 minutes, to be exact). Whether Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer can reclaim some of the previous luster is a good question and Matthews still may serve as a reliable team defender, even if his one-on-one defending isn’t what it once was.