The first undrafted player in NBA history to hit 1,500 three-pointers
In short: Wesley Matthews defied the odds of the 2009 NBA draft to forge a 15-season career defined by durability and perimeter shooting. Known as the "Iron Man" for his willingness to play through pain, he transformed from an overlooked prospect into a franchise record-breaker.
Born into a distinct lineage, Matthews is the offspring of Wes Matthews, who won two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 and 1988. Despite pressure to follow his father's path to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wesley chose Marquette University. At Marquette, he became a core member of the "three amigos," a starting trio of guards that played together from their first year. During the 2008–09 season, he was forced to adapt to playing against larger opponents due to a lack of height on the roster, eventually setting a school record for field goal accuracy by going 10-for-10 in a 2009 win over Rutgers.
After going undrafted in 2009, Matthews signed with the Utah Jazz and eventually earned a starting role under coach Jerry Sloan in February 2010. His career trajectory shifted significantly in 2010 when he signed a five-year, $34 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. In Portland, his reputation for toughness earned him the nickname "Iron Man" after he played 250 consecutive games before a hip injury in 2012. His tenure in Portland was marked by historical milestones, including becoming the franchise's all-time leader in three-point field goals made on January 17, 2015, surpassing Terry Porter's record of 773.
Matthews later joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2015 on a four-year, $70 million deal. His impact was immediate; by January 2019, he became the first undrafted player in NBA history to reach 1,500 three-pointers. His career has been a study in longevity and versatility, spanning teams like the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Even as his role evolved into a defensive presence in his later years, he remained a significant figure in the league, eventually transitioning into a broadcasting career with the Milwaukee Bucks and FanDuel Sports Network starting in the 2025-26 season.
His career highlights include a 30-point performance against Tennessee in 2008 and a 2015 game where he hit 10 three-pointers in a single contest for the Mavericks. Despite a career-worst 33% three-point percentage during a stint with the Lakers in 2020, his ability to contribute in high-pressure moments—such as a clutch three-pointer for the Bucks on Christmas Day 2021—solidified his legacy as a resilient veteran of the hardwood.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Wesley Matthews
- Also: www.nba.com — Wesley Matthews | Guard | Atlanta Hawks | NBA.com
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