Wesley Matthews

Wesley Matthews's Biography

Wesley Joel Matthews Jr., commonly known as Wesley Matthews, was born on October 14, 1986, in San Antonio, Texas. He is well known in the basketball world as an American professional athlete who last played for the Atlanta Hawks. Not only did Matthews grow up in a sports-oriented family, but he continued the tradition of hard work and determination that his parents had instilled in him.

Matthews’ parents were both prominent figures in the world of sports. His father, Wesley Matthews Sr., was a celebrated NBA point guard and was part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship teams in 1987 and 1988. His mother, Pam Moore, was an All-American runner and also played basketball. Their strong athletic genealogy played a significant role in shaping Wesley’s passion for sports from an early age. He carved a niche for himself, playing both soccer and basketball at James Madison Memorial High School. His basketball skills were recognized when he was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball in 2005.

Contrary to family and societal expectations, Matthews chose Marquette University over the University of Wisconsin-Madison, famously known as his father’s alma mater. At Marquette, Matthews earned the nickname as the “biggest” of the “three amigos,” a term coined for the three starting guards—Dominic James, Jerel McNeal, and Matthews—known for their dynamic gameplay. Matthews quickly adapted to playing against bigger opponents due to the lack of height in the team during the 2008-09 season.

Throughout his college career, Matthews demonstrated an exemplary performance both on and off-court. One such accomplishment involved scoring a career-high 30 points in a game against Tennessee Volunteers in December 2008. In January 2009, he broke a school record by achieving perfection in field goal attempts, going 10-for-10.

After a successful stint at Marquette, Matthews declared for the 2009 NBA draft. However, he went undrafted and subsequently joined the Utah Jazz for the Orlando Summer League and the Sacramento Kings for the Las Vegas Summer League. In 2010, he signed a one-year deal with the Utah Jazz. The untimely trade of Ronnie Brewer provided Matthews with an opportunity to be the team’s starting shooting guard.

In July 2010, Matthews joined the roster of the Portland Trail Blazers, signing a five-year contract worth $34 million. With the Blazers, Matthews further improved his gameplay, honing his three-point shot and proving himself to be a valuable addition to the team. He played in 250 consecutive NBA games until a hip injury in December 2012. He earned the nickname “Iron Man” for his determination and willingness to play through pain.

Despite some on-court altercations and a significant injury (torn left achilles tendon in 2015), Matthews set records, becoming the Trail Blazers’ all-time career leader in three-point field goals made. This achievement came in January 2015, surpassing Terry Porter’s franchise record.

Leaving the Trail Blazers, Matthews signed a four-year, $70 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks in 2015. His tenure with the Mavericks would be marked with highs and lows, setting season-high points and becoming a significant player in the team. Matthews became the seventh Dallas player to hit 500 3-pointers with the team.

In 2019, Matthews became one of six players in Mavericks history to make 600 3-pointers and the first undrafted player (and 31st overall) in NBA history to make 1,500 3-pointers. Matthews’ career took him to various teams, including the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. In 2019, he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and then moved on to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Though his time with the Lakers was accompanied by a slump in performance, Matthews persevered.

As of December 2021, Matthews signed on to the Athens Hawks and proved instrumental during Milwaukee’s Christmas Day game in helping the team make a stunning 19-point comeback. His legacy as a player is marked by a powerful defensive presence and his status as an All-Defensive guard, alongside the elite levels of players like Jrue Holiday. Matthews’s journey in the NBA is a story of constant growth, resilience, and perseverance, making him a notable figure in the sport.