Grading Wesley Matthews’ newly signed deal with the Milwaukee Bucks

How will Wesley Matthews fit with the Milwaukee Bucks?

Injuries have been a huge storyline for the Bucks throughout the first quarter of the new season, and they have turned to Matthews for help. The team knows what the guard is capable of, thanks to his prior time with the franchise. Matthews showed during an entire season that he could fit in with this Milwaukee team, and that likely made this move a much easier decision. While the team looks a tad different now than it did then, key pieces like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and coach Mike Budenholzer are all still in the fold. That should help him find his fit faster.

The strongest attribute Matthews brings to the table is his 3-point shooting. The swingman has a career 37.9 3-point percentage on 5.4 attempts per game. While the Bucks will not be getting the vintage version of Matthews that once wreaked havoc on the league, he can surely still let it fly. If so, he will fit snugly in lineups alongside players like Antetokounmpo and Middleton just as he did previously. Defense will also be a key factor for Matthews, as the Bucks have been one of the best defensive teams in the association during the Budenholzer era. The veteran has been known as a good defender throughout his career, so he should not have too many issues there.

The biggest question at hand is where Matthews will fit in the lineup. He will certainly not be a starter like he was during his first stint in Milwaukee, but he could carve out a spot for himself off the bench. Right now, the Bucks are without key pieces in the second unit in Donte DiVincenzo and the newly signed Semi Ojeleye. Pat Connaughton has started many games this year due to injuries rather than playing his typical role off the bench. All of this has resulted in the Bucks giving more minutes to Jordan Nwora, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Rodney Hood, who have all struggled to some degree. There are times where Nwora looks lost, Hood is having his worst season to date, and Antetokounmpo is not someone meant to see this much time nightly.

Given how shorthanded the Bucks are right now, Matthews will fit snugly in the second unit. That sentiment could change when the entire team is healthy, but once again, that is the beauty when it comes to non-guaranteed deals. For now, Matthews will likely take some playing time from the Nwora-Antetokounmpo-Hood trio off the bench. Perhaps the Bucks see Matthews as a potential upgrade over all three and that played into their decision to bring him in.