Dallas Mavericks: This is Wes Matthews’ Year

Wesley Matthews may not have been exactly the player that we were hoping to see for the Dallas Mavericks last year, but we can plan on him picking up that production and getting back to his old ways this time around.

The Dallas Mavericks made so many moves over the last few weeks trying to both fill and bolster the roster that most people have been so focused on the new players, they’re forgetting about the old guys. Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogut, and Seth Curry are fun and exciting names, but let’s not forget those that are coming back this year.

One of those names that will be back this coming season is our previous max contract player, Wesley Matthews. Matthews is one of those players that you just can’t be upset about having on your roster. A stand-up guy with an incredible work ethic, defensive-minded, and can shoot the 3-ball is hard enough to find in this league.

However, despite all the good things that Matthews brings to the team, some of the Mavs faithful found it difficult to really jump on board with him due to his subpar offensive play. Part of it is hard to blame him for, seeing as he fought back from an Achilles tear to prove to the Mavs that he was ready to play the full season no matter what it took.

His toughness and the edge he brings to the court is undeniable and for that we can look forward to another year with even more mobility and a defensive counterpart to help him out on the wing. But that is not all that we get to look forward to.

This last season, Wes Matthews posted career lows in a lot of different statistics. In fact, in all the years previous to this one, he had remained pretty consistent in his average shooting percentage, 3-point percentage, points, assists, and steals.

For a guy that had moved teams before and stepped right into his role with the team, it is hard to attribute the change in scenery as reason for his subpar play. There may be other factors in place with a new coach, new offensive system, and new teammates, but I believe him having another year since his Achilles surgery is going to be the difference maker this season.

Expect to see Matthews back in his groove and meeting his career averages once again this season. If you are one of the MFFLs that really struggled liking Matthews on the court last year, get ready to give him a second chance, because this time around, he is not going to mess that up.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: Friendly Contracts Benefit Team

For what it’s worth, Dallas saw enough in Matthews to offer him $17 million last season after an Achilles tear. I have faith in the Mavericks organization that regardless of the outcome last year, we can rely on and expect great things from Wes Matthews this year, and in years to come.