Indiana Pacers alumni: Wesley Matthews fitting in nicely with Bucks

Former Indiana Pacers guard Wesley Matthews is in his first year with the Milwaukee Bucks, fitting into an ancillary role that is making things easier for the team’s stars. 

The Indiana Pacers made a smart midseason pickup when they secured Wesley Matthews after he agreed to a contract buyout with the New York Knicks last season. They elevated his stock, and the Milwaukee Bucks capitalized.

In a weird way, they brought Matthews in after the Pacers gave him a platform to succeed much like how things happened with Malcolm Brogdon on the inverse.

Matthews with the Pacers averaged 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game with the Pacers. Given that he was on a bargain-bin, mid-season deal (the Pacers paid him just over $700,000 for the 23 regular season and playoff games he appeared in) they wouldn’t be able to retain him without upping their price.

Matthews this summer opted to join a likely title contender in the Bucks, and so far he’s fitting in well. He’s averaging 7.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His 39.7 percent shooting (36.5 beyond the arc) is helpful for the Bucks as they look to place shooters around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Matthews, once a double-digit scorer, is still starting with the Bucks, but serving a more complementary role at this stage in his career. He’s one of the pieces that so seamlessly fits into the roster and allows the Bucks stars to be at their best.

His defense is what has spoken volumes this season.

Adam McGee of Behind the Buck Pass detailed Matthews’ growth into the defensive stalwart role for the Bucks this year and how it’s provided a more wide-open way for Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton to dominate.

"In years past, the Bucks would have had no option other than to put Bledsoe on Harden, and one of Giannis Antetokounmpo or Khris Middleton on LeBron. For key possessions, or in a potential playoff matchup, they may still be the first choice looks, but Matthews’ defensive versatility frees up the Bucks’ most important offensive players from possession to possession."

Matthews is the epitome of making yourself useful throughout your career by continual evolution and being willing to step into a lesser role that fits your skill set and the team’s needs. Being a team player means stepping aside for younger, more prime talent once your best days have passed and finding a way to make an impact down the line.

It’s no surprise that this is a former Pacer. He fits the team-first mindset that is expected of Indiana’s players, which is why he was brought in midway through last season.

Matthews has done accepted his role in Milwaukee and done a great job with it. In his 12th season just might be rewarded with an NBA title if the Bucks can pull it off.

Let’s hope Indiana has something to say about that instead should the season resume.