Wes Matthews reminds of John Starks

[OneSport3]

When he's on, he's ON. But when he's off, its pretty ugly. Wes also plays that scrappy (I know I used that word), in your face defense like Starks did.

 

[illmatic99]

Not a bad comparison. I was thinking of Bonzi actually, but he had a better one on one game than Matthews.

 

[Sug]

Reminds me more of D Wade in terms of build and relentless attack. I love me some Wesley on the break.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

 

[Natebishop3]

Ugh.... I hate John Starks. He was one of my least favorite players back in the day, and I don't really see much of Wes in him at all.

 

[Minstrel]

I think Starks is a nice comp. A hot and cold scorer, who could either be your MVP any given night or make you shake your head at his haplessness.

My recollection was that Starks was a solid defender, as Matthews is. Of course, it was a long time ago (his prime) and I'm sure my memory is coloured by the fact that he was part of a very good defensive team.

 

[STOMP]

http://www.basketball-reference.com...m=1&p1=matthwe02&y1=2011&p2=starkjo01&y2=2002

STOMP

 

[Natebishop3]

I think Starks is a nice comp. A hot and cold scorer, who could either be your MVP any given night or make you shake your head at his haplessness.

My recollection was that Starks was a solid defender, as Matthews is. Of course, it was a long time ago (his prime) and I'm sure my memory is coloured by the fact that he was part of a very good defensive team.

Starks was a dirty player, just as the Knicks were dirty players. I just have a very sour opinion of him, probably stemming from the fact that I was a pretty big Pacers fan when Reggie Miller was on that team. I thoroughly enjoyed watching those Knicks/Pacers series, but Starks was probably my least favorite guy on that team. I respected Oakley, Ewing, and guys like Greg Anthony or Anthony Mason a hell of a lot more than Starks.

 

[handiman]

I was thinking a while back about how sparse the list is of standout undrafted players, and where Matthews fits in it. Starks came to mind as the obvious measuring stick.

 

[julius]

can you guys imagine just how horrible this team would be if Utah had matched?

 

[maxiep]

Repped. It never occurred to me until you brought it up, then it seemed so obvious, which is the sign of a great comparison. The big difference is that Starks was a bit of a punk and a headcase while Wes is reportedly a pretty solid guy. Other than that, they play VERY much alike.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

JR Rider with less swagger.

 

[maxiep]

JR Rider with less swagger.

JR was all unrealized potential; Wes uses every bit of his.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Rider was way more skilled than Wes and did use his potential. His post up game was just awesome and he was just so strong for a SG. He was very aggressive offensively...more consistent and more of a go-to guy. He had a good run but just kind of fizzled out and had a bad rep for his attitude.

 

[Minstrel]

Rider was way more skilled than Wes and did use his potential. His post up game was just awesome and he was just so strong for a SG. He was very aggressive offensively...more consistent and more of a go-to guy. He had a good run but just kind of fizzled out and had a bad rep for his attitude.

If your assessment is that Rider was just much better than Matthews (way more skilled, more consistent, more of a go-to guy), how is he a good comparison for Matthews?

Admit it, you just wanted to talk about Rider for no reason.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

If your assessment is that Rider was just much better than Matthews (way more skilled, more consistent, more of a go-to guy), how is he a good comparison for Matthews?

Admit it, you just wanted to talk about Rider for no reason.

I won't lie, I liked Rider.

I think Matthews has an infinitely higher bball IQ and a way better defender.

Just the way they carry themselves. Also speed and shooting range. Sometimes Matthew's 3 point shooting doesn't look like it has much forms, like he's just chucking it up...dunno. But he attacks the rim. Mainly just the swagger on the court. Just seems like a badass.

 

[ehizzy3]

Reminds me more of D Wade in terms of build and relentless attack. I love me some Wesley on the break.

eh..maybe the finishing(to a degree). but i don't think wes is very good at driving, or midrange like wade....

 

[ehizzy3]

http://www.basketball-reference.com...m=1&p1=matthwe02&y1=2011&p2=starkjo01&y2=2002

STOMP

i'd like to see wes assist number go up too, but he's only in his second year. hopefully he develops the ability to drive and finish/kick out

 

[mercykersey]

I won't lie, I liked Rider.

I was a huge JR Rider fan also, and there was a dunk Wesley had earlier in the year that reminded me soo much of Rider. They both are very strong tough players, JR had a better post up game, there both great players who show heart ( pulls back his jersey to show his heart via JR Rider) .

 

[THE HCP]

Loved JR..... Love Wes! I'd feel safer with Wes around my kids though.

 

[STOMP]

i'd like to see wes assist number go up too, but he's only in his second year. hopefully he develops the ability to drive and finish/kick out

dude is just 24... most players (including Starks) enjoy a rise in their play into their late 20's

did anyone beside you click the player comparison link I gave? Their stats are not very similar. Wes is already a clearly superior shooter leading 58% to 51% in TS% and as you sort of allude, Starks was a much better assist man more then doubling Wes's assist rate. Wes is also much bigger/stronger while Starks had better quickness/hops

I don't see the comparison working very well

STOMP

 

[hasoos]

Funny I see Rider mentioned above. Rider was an awesome guard who just needed a better mental status to reach elitehood, but he didn't have it. But that being said, I see Wesley as more of a different guard, who played for us at the same time as JR Rider. Wesley reminds me a lot more of Jimmy Jackson than any of the guys you folks mention above.