Wesley Matthews scouting report?

[Krapinsky]

Hi all,

T-Wolves fan here. I was wondering if you could give me some insight on the type of player Matthews was for you last year. I know he was a pleasant surprise, but what are his strengths? Weaknesses? Any upside?

I am asking because I see him as a potential target for the Wolves to go after in free agency.

Thanks.

[jazzfan1971]

Good defender. Great system guy. Not explosive. Good but not great shot. Can't create his own shot. A nice player to have, will play good defense (great for a rookie), and will make the open jumper more often than not. Very much a support player, not a first or second option on a team.

Jazz have the right to match any offer, even if you offered him a max deal the Jazz could match with their MLE due to league rules. So, I doubt he's going anywhere as he was a perfect fit in the Jazz system.

Appreciate the interest, but, you probably need to look elsewhere.

[Krapinsky]

Thanks. I didn't realize he was restricted. He sort of sounds a lot like the wings we already have, so perhaps it is not a great fit anyway.

[Jazzfan12]

He's also a great transition player and a good slasher. Strong but somewhat short for SG (6'4).

[spoonhoops]

I wish he was a couple inches taller, but since the Jazz will most likely match any offer he receives, I expect Matthews to be even more stellar at "D" next season with a better three pointer.

[Reckless]

He's also a great transition player and a good slasher. Strong but somewhat short for SG (6'4).

True, he runs the floor very well on transition, i like that about him.

[carrottop12]

Strengths:

-Very good defender
-Smart/Team player
-Plays hards
-Good shooter
-Underrated Athlete

Weaknesses

-Not huge upside
-A little small
-Not a great ball handler
-Not a shot creator

Best Case Scenario: Poor Man's Caron Butler

[Jazzfan12]

I don't see any Caron Butler. Butler seems like a ball-dominant, one on one scorer.

[HammerDunk]

Butler can't play defense either as he is busy bumping his gums about his offense or getting fouled.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

He is terrible. Can't shoot, dribble, rebound and can barely defend. Horrible locker room guy and never plays hard.

I would stay away from him at all costs.

But no, seriously....he is an awesome player. He is fairly limited with outside shooting but has a decent spot up jumper which should improve as he develops. He can be streaky at times but always seems to hit the big shots, especially the corner 3. Great man to man and team defender, plays his guts out of defense and never backs down from anyone. Good ball hanlding skills with a great penetration/slashing game. Moves well when off the ball, sets good screens and is always looking to be active. Has an awesome post up game for a 2 guard, one of his biggest strengths. Runs the floor extremely well. Decent passer but no his strength. Always hustles and always plays hard, loves to compete. Limited athletic ability but has more than enough to get by in the league. Attacks the basket fearlessly. Good free throw shooter, is good at drawing contact/fouls. Clutch. Great locker room guy.

You are never going to pry him away from the Jazz though.

[Sinobas]

Never say never.