The 2018-19 NBA season was an up-and-down affair for the Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring MVP-caliber performances from Paul George and Russell Westbrook as well as frustrating inefficiencies and a rather shallow supporting cast.
Most notably, however, the season ended in similar fashion: a first-round playoff exit. Oklahoma City had no answer for an unconscious Damian Lillard, and their season-long struggles from beyond the arc continued into the postseason, as the Thunder shot just 33 percent from deep.
Oklahoma City has the kind of playmakers (Westbrook and George) and interior presence (Steven Adams) to challenge the most complete teams in the league. Defensively, George could end up winning the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, while Westbrook had arguably his most complete defensive season yet.
However, the their lack of perimeter shooting has totally compromised their playoff hopes in recent years. Westbrook shot below 30 percent from 3-point range, and Paul George slumped down the stretch and into the postseason because of shoulder problems. The role players, meanwhile, didn't offer enough help either.
Needless to say, the Thunder could use some added firepower from the wing. Conveniently enough, journeyman wing Wesley Matthews will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Oklahoma City could sign him for a bargain price.
Sniper
Wesley Matthews — who averaged 12.2 points between three teams last season — does a lot of his scoring from the perimeter. The 10-year veteran is shooting over 38 percent from 3 for his career on an average of 5.2 attempts per game.
The 32-year-old would be the perfect option to complement the dynamism of Westbrook and the playmaking abilities of George with his ability to space the floor.
The Thunder ranked 22nd in 3-point percentage, according to NBA.com. With Matthews in the rotation, however, there would be less pressure on Westbrook and Dennis Schroder to pull the trigger while also creating some more versatility on the offensive end.
Additionally, Matthews is shooting close to 83 percent from the free-throw line for his career. Granted, he does not get to the line often. But considering the Thunder ranked 28th in the NBA in free-throw percentage this season, Matthews would certainly provide an upgrade. And in the playoffs, every freebie matters.
Capable defender
Wesley Matthews is hardly the lockdown defender, but he has decent size for a shooting guard and has averaged more than one steal per game in seven of his 10 seasons in the league.
The Thunder turned opponents over the most of any team in the league, according to NBA.com. Matthews' ball-hawking abilities would fit in perfectly alongside Westbrook and George, who fly around the perimeter like animals and hound ball handlers at every turn.
Matthews would also provide different looks. Although he is smaller than current Thunder shooting guard Terrance Ferguson, Matthews is stronger and more physical. By rotating Matthews and Ferguson, the Thunder and head coach Billy Donovan have the ability to put a more physical lineup or more athletic lineup on the floor, depending on their personnel.
And do not forget, the Thunder will get Andre Roberson back healthy next season. So Matthews could also spell George at the 3 if the Thunder go smaller when George needs a breather while not losing too much on the perimeter because of Matthews' shooting prowess.
Experience … at a good price!
George, Westbrook and Adams are all established veterans, but they are all very different. George and Westbrook can be more temperamental, while Adams is hardly the outspoken type.
Wesley Matthews would provide another experienced and measured voice in the locker room for the younger guys to turn to when the going gets rough.
Additionally, he might be the most cost-efficient option. While Matthews made nearly $19 million last season, he's not going to cost nearly as much this time around. He probably will even come cheaper than fellow veteran sharpshooter JJ Redick. Oklahoma City is set to be well into the luxury tax next season, so offering the taxpayer mid-level exception (nearly $6 million) would be the likely play.
The Thunder can sign Matthews and still afford to make other minor upgrades to the roster. Sounds like a pretty good option for a team looking to break through to the second round of the playoffs.
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