Wesley Matthews facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Wesley Matthews

Matthews with the Dallas Mavericks in 2017
Free agent
Shooting guard / small forward
Personal information
Born	(1986-10-14) October 14, 1986 (age 38) San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
High school	James Madison Memorial (Madison, Wisconsin)
Listed height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight	220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
College	Marquette (2005–2009)
NBA Draft	2009 / Undrafted
Pro career	2009–present
Career history
2009–2010	Utah Jazz
2010–2015	Portland Trail Blazers
2015–2019	Dallas Mavericks
2019	New York Knicks
2019	Indiana Pacers
2019–2020	Milwaukee Bucks
2020–2021	Los Angeles Lakers
2021–2023	Milwaukee Bucks
2023–2024	Atlanta Hawks
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Big East (2009) Wisconsin Mr. Basketball (2005)

Wesley Joel Matthews Jr. (born October 14, 1986) is an American professional basketball player. He last played for the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before joining the NBA, he played college basketball for the Marquette Golden Eagles. His father, Wes Matthews, was also a famous NBA player.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Wesley Matthews Jr. was born in San Antonio, Texas. His dad, Wesley Sr., was a point guard in the NBA. He even won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 and 1988. Wesley's mom, Pam Moore, was also a great athlete. She was an All-American in running and basketball.

Wesley played basketball and soccer at James Madison Memorial High School in Wisconsin. He was so good at basketball that he was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball in 2005. This award goes to the best high school player in the state.

College Basketball Career

After high school, Matthews decided to go to Marquette University. Many people thought he would play for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, like his dad. But he chose Marquette instead.

At Marquette, Wesley was part of a famous trio of guards. He, Dominic James, and Jerel McNeal started almost every game together. They were known as the "three amigos." Even though he was a guard, Matthews learned to play against bigger opponents. This was important because his team didn't have many tall players in the 2008–09 season.

In one game on December 28, 2005, he grabbed 13 rebounds. This showed he could help his team even without scoring a lot. Later, on December 16, 2008, Matthews scored a career-high 30 points against the Tennessee Volunteers. He made 15 of 18 free throws in that game. On January 7, 2009, he set a school record. He made all 10 of his shots, scoring 23 points in a win against Rutgers.

Professional Basketball Journey

Starting with the Utah Jazz (2009–2010)

After college, Wesley Matthews entered the 2009 NBA draft. However, no team picked him. But he didn't give up! He joined the Utah Jazz for a summer league. In September 2009, he signed a one-year deal with the Jazz.

In February 2010, Matthews became the team's starting shooting guard. This happened after another player was traded. The next month, on March 14, he scored a career-high 29 points. He also made six three-point shots in that game.

Playing for the Portland Trail Blazers (2010–2015)

In July 2010, Matthews signed a five-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. This was a big step in his career. In his first season with Portland, he averaged 15.9 points per game. His three-point shooting also got much better. He became a starter for the Blazers when another player, Brandon Roy, had knee problems.

Matthews was known for being very tough. He played in 250 NBA games in a row! He would play even with small injuries. Because of this, fans and commentators called him "Iron Man."

On January 17, 2015, Matthews made history for the Trail Blazers. He became the team's all-time leader in three-point shots made. He passed Terry Porter's record of 773. Sadly, on March 5, 2015, he tore his left Achilles tendon. This injury ended his season early.

Time with the Dallas Mavericks (2015–2019)

On July 9, 2015, Matthews signed a four-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. On December 6, 2015, he had an amazing game. He scored 28 of his 36 points in the second half against the Washington Wizards. He made 10 three-pointers in that game, with eight of them in the second half!

He continued to play well for the Mavericks. On November 18, 2017, he scored 22 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. On December 8, 2017, he set a new season high with 29 points. By February 13, 2018, Matthews became the seventh Mavericks player to make 500 three-pointers for the team. In January 2019, he became the sixth Mavericks player to make 600 three-pointers. He was also the first player in NBA history who wasn't drafted to make 1,500 three-pointers!

Short Stays and Returns (2019–2024)

In January 2019, Matthews was traded to the New York Knicks. He only played two games for them before being released. Soon after, in February 2019, he signed with the Indiana Pacers. He helped the Pacers win a game against the New Orleans Pelicans by scoring 24 points and making 6 three-pointers.

On July 12, 2019, Matthews signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He played well for them, scoring 19 points in a game against the Utah Jazz in November 2019. He scored 19 points again in December against his former team, the Pacers.

In November 2020, Matthews signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played 58 games for them, averaging 4.8 points.

On December 3, 2021, Matthews returned to the Milwaukee Bucks. In a Christmas Day game, he helped the Bucks come back from 19 points down to win against the Boston Celtics. He made a crucial three-point shot with 30 seconds left. He became a starter for the Bucks to help with defense alongside Jrue Holiday. He re-signed with the Bucks in July 2022.

Most recently, on July 22, 2023, Matthews signed with the Atlanta Hawks.

Career Statistics

NBA Regular Season

NBA Playoffs

College Statistics

See also

In Spanish: Wesley Matthews para niños

• List of National Basketball Association career 3-point scoring leaders