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PORTLAND, Ore. — While the focus has been on Phil Jackson signing another superstar such as Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge, there’s a feeling in the league the Zen Master could be wise to spread his cap money to sign a bevy of solid contributors who fall below marquee status.
In fact, the Blazers have a diamond in the rough in starting 6-foot-5 shooting guard Wesley Matthews, a broad-shouldered stalwart defender who has a deft perimeter-shooting touch and will become a free agent July 1. Matthews, who scored 26 points in 26 minutes in the Blazers’ 101-79 win over the Knicks on Sunday night, is making $7.2 million this season and probably will command $10 million per on the open market.
Asked if he’s looking forward to free agency after going undrafted five years ago, Matthews told The Post: “Definitely, but for now I’m a Trail Blazer. It’s the only thing I see. I’m really not thinking about it.’’
The Blazers, who played host to the Knicks Sunday, reportedly intend to re-sign both Matthews and Aldridge.
Matthews, 28, made his defensive reputation in his rookie year in Utah but has expanded his game in Portland. He’s averaging 16.4 points, shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc.
The only plus for NBA teams hoping Matthews will leave Portland is the old regime, and not current Portland general manager Neil Olshey, acquired Matthews.
http://nypost.com/2014/12/29/the-knicks-strategy-that-may-net-under-the-radar-blazers-stud/
In fact, the Blazers have a diamond in the rough in starting 6-foot-5 shooting guard Wesley Matthews, a broad-shouldered stalwart defender who has a deft perimeter-shooting touch and will become a free agent July 1. Matthews, who scored 26 points in 26 minutes in the Blazers’ 101-79 win over the Knicks on Sunday night, is making $7.2 million this season and probably will command $10 million per on the open market.
Asked if he’s looking forward to free agency after going undrafted five years ago, Matthews told The Post: “Definitely, but for now I’m a Trail Blazer. It’s the only thing I see. I’m really not thinking about it.’’
The Blazers, who played host to the Knicks Sunday, reportedly intend to re-sign both Matthews and Aldridge.
Matthews, 28, made his defensive reputation in his rookie year in Utah but has expanded his game in Portland. He’s averaging 16.4 points, shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc.
The only plus for NBA teams hoping Matthews will leave Portland is the old regime, and not current Portland general manager Neil Olshey, acquired Matthews.
http://nypost.com/2014/12/29/the-knicks-strategy-that-may-net-under-the-radar-blazers-stud/
