Less than three days away from all NBA rosters being final, the New York Knicks have continued to trim down their roster, with their latest cut coming at the expense of veteran sharpshooter Garrison Mathews, per SNY’s Ian Begley.
Speaking with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Matthews expressed his appreciation for the Knicks but made clear that he joined the team with the intent of earning a spot in Mike Brown’s rotation. He added that there is “no chance” he would accept a role with New York’s G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks.
Mathews is preparing for his seventh NBA campaign after previous stops with the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks.
During his two seasons in Atlanta, the veteran guard averaged six points in a reserve role while shooting 42.4% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. His efficiency on corner threes was elite, leading the entire league last season, hitting 58% of his 69 attempts from the corners.
Throughout four preseason games with New York this fall, he averaged 6.8 points per game in 13.3 minutes on 33.3% shooting from the field and a stellar 41.2% from downtown.
Mathews’ time in New York may have been brief, but his shooting touch is too good to stay unemployed for long. The 29-year-old has proven he can knock down shots at an elite clip, and with his experience and work ethic, it’s only a matter of time before another NBA team gives him a well-deserved opportunity.