Matt Thomas

Matt Thomas's Biography

Matthew Martin Lee Thomas, known simply as Matt Thomas, is a professional American basketball player who was born on August 4, 1994 in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Thomas had an early interest in sports, prominently basketball, which spurred his journey into the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he has increasingly made a name for himself.

Thomas’ athletic journey began at Onalaska High School, where he played basketball for years. His talent in the game didn’t go unnoticed, as he was thrice named to the all-state team, received the Wisconsin Mr. Basketball title in 2013, and finished his high school career as the fifth-best scorer in Wisconsin’s history.

His impressive high school record propelled him to college where he played for the Iowa State Cyclones from 2013 to 2017. During his four seasons with the Cyclones, Thomas grew as a player, improving his defensive ability and becoming known for his consistent shooting. He shot over 40% from three-point range in all his four seasons and ranked among the top ten in the Big 12 Conference. He scored his career-high of 25 points in 2017 in a game against Oklahoma State. Despite his remarkable collegiate record, Thomas went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Rather than letting this deter him, Thomas used it as motivation to improve his game further. He kicked off his professional career internationally, signing with Obradoiro, a team in the Spanish basketball league Liga ACB in 2017. He stood out as the team’s top scorer, averaging 15.4 points per game and shooting 45.9% from outside the arc.

In 2018, Thomas moved on to a new opportunity with another Spanish team, Valencia. Here, his reputation as a lethal shooter solidified with an average 11.9 points per game. More impressive was his three-point shooting accuracy, which sat at an outstanding 48.5%.

After two seasons in Spain, Thomas finally made his NBA debut, signing a three-year contract with the Toronto Raptors in July 2019. Although his minutes were limited at first, he became a fan favorite due to his shooting precision. He posted a 47.5% shooting record from the three-point area in his rookie season.

The 2020 NBA Season was particularly challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Thomas didn’t let this slow him down. Even with the league-wide shutdown, he proved himself a valuable player in the NBA Bubble in Orlando. The Raptors later traded Thomas to the Utah Jazz in March 2021.

Thomas stands at 6 foot 4 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds. His role as a shooting guard makes significant use of his precise shooting skills. By specializing as an exceptional three-point shooter, he has carved out a niche for himself in the NBA.

Off the court, Thomas is known for his dedication to giving back to the community. He launched the Matt Thomas Basketball Camp in his hometown, focusing on improving young players’ basketball fundamentals and providing mentorship. Family is also an important part of Thomas’ life, as evident by his close relationship with his mother, Martha Ford, and the rest of his family.

It is evident that Matt Thomas is just at the start of his NBA career. With his impeccable shooting skills, dedication, and commitment to giving back to the community, he has shown that he’s not only an asset to his team but also an impactful figure off the court.

In conclusion, Matt Thomas has proven himself as a dependable and consistent player in the NBA. From being an exceptional high school player to turning heads in Spanish basketball leagues, and finally earning his spot in the NBA, his relentless pursuit of his dreams has been inspiring for many. Despite setbacks, Thomas has consistently shown a level of determination and talent that continues to place him on the map in the world of professional basketball. His career illuminates the values of perseverance, hard work, and community engagement, inspiring young, up-and-coming athletes worldwide.