Matthews Inks Deal With Trail Blazers
Shooting guard Wesley Matthews is now officially a member of the Portland Trailblazers after the Utah Jazz failed to match Portland’s five-year, $34 million offer for the restricted free agent.
The now second-year player had an impressive showing as a rookie after going undrafted from Marquette University. In his first year in the National Basketball Association, Matthews averaged 9.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 24.7 minutes for the Jazz. He appeared in all 82 regular seasons games in some capacity, and started 48 of them.
The Blazers held a press conference to announce Matthews’s signing and to answer questions regarding the 6-foot-5 player. One of the first things asked of Matthews were details regarding his heavily front-loaded contract with Portland. Matthrews’s deal is the most he could be given as a second-year player.
Matthews responded with confidence and ease. He said: "A lot of people respected what I did because of how hard I played, how hard I went. That wasn't to get a big contract like this. This big contract helps my family out. I'm all right as long as I can play this game. So people that say I'm overpaid, I might be. We never know. I know one thing, I will be in the gym and I will be working to give myself a chance to be the best I can be."
Although the Jazz never publicly announced that they would not be matching the offer sheet on Matthews, their three-year signing of guard Raja Bell all but solidified Matthews’s departure from Salt Lake City.
Blazers general manager Rich Cho was pleased with the signing and sees a lot of potential in Matthews. He told reporters: "As only a first-year player last season, he demonstrated a lot of maturity and ability. He's already one of the best young defenders in the league and offensively he's an emerging threat. He's going to add a lot of versatility to our roster.”
This signing and criticism of overpayment is a surprising development for Matthews given his position at the beginning of last season. Matthews was undrafted and was considered a long shot when he partook in the Jazz’s training camp. Matthews worked so hard and showed so much development that he went from an undrafted long shot to a starter.
The Jazz even relied on Matthews during the playoffs. He started all ten playoff games for the Jazz and averaged 13.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 37.1 minutes per game.
The tremendous possibilities given to him by the Jazz franchise are not lost on Matthews. He also modestly told reporters: "I really need to thank the Utah Jazz for giving me this opportunity to live my dream out and became an NBA player.”
According to Blazers head coach Nate McMillan, Matthews will be playing either a shooting guard or a small forward in Portland. Matthews seems happy to do anything that is asked of him, a great team motivating characteristic.
Matthews said: "I'm going to play hard. I'm going to work hard. Whether it's backing up Brandon [Roy] or playing alongside Brandon. I'm not sure. That's what training camp is for, that's what pre-season is for. I know they have a plan for me, and I know I have a plan for myself, and that's to get better and help this team get better."
After the LeBron James Decision debacle, it is refreshing to see players exhibit modesty and genuine respect and love for basketball. Matthews accepted the Blazers’ offer with great humility and respect. He responded to inquiries in a professional manner which was not self-serving. He may not be as purely talented as James, but for the time being he is infinitely more likeable.
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