Atlanta Hawks make key decision regarding Garrison Matthews

The Atlanta Hawks were set to make a decision on forward Garrison Matthews today. It was the deadline to decide whether to pick up Matthews’ $2.2 million option and they decided to do so today. Matthews wasn’t expected to have a big role last season, but he stepped up to the plate and was a pleasant surprise for the Hawks. He finished 4th among all NBA players in three-point percentage, shooting 44% on 3 attempts per game. Matthews played in 66 games last season, averaging 4.9 PPG.

Will Matthews have a big role next season? Atlanta added a few pieces with the Dejounte Murray trade and the selection of Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick. Even though Atlanta didn’t make any more moves this offseason (unlikely), they now have Risacher, Jalen Johnson, De’Andre Hunter, Mouhamed Gueye and Larry Nance in the front line. I think Nance will probably be more of a center. Matthews brings a high-level shot and is a better defender than he gets credit for. Being able to inject him into lineups that could use shots would be a huge asset for Quin Snyder next season. Paying Matthews only $2.2 million next year would also be quite beneficial to the Hawks team if he could provide the same level of three-point shooting that he did.

While I don’t think Matthews will have a significant role with the Hawks next season, getting him at this price is reasonable and there’s always a chance De’Andre Hunter could be traded, which would open up more room in the lineup. front area. The other thing to consider is that the Hawks had a lot of bad luck with injuries last year and that’s why Matthews had to play more late in the season. Injuries are unpredictable and having depth in the squad is always an asset. Matthews meets these conditions.

Getting Matthews back is also a smart move because the Hawks declined forward Saddiq Bey’s qualifying offer. While Bey could still be back with the team on a smaller deal, having Matthews on the roster gives the Hawks insurance in case he signs with another team.