Houston Rockets Rookie Watch - Cameron Matthews

The odds of Cameron Matthews finding playing time on the deep, and heavily favored to contend for the NBA title, Houston Rockets are slim, but that doesn’t mean one should completely count the undrafted rookie out before the season even starts. 

Unlike most rookies, the 6’7” forward from Mississippi State is 23 years old, older than most first-year players, which may actually play in his favor. Possessing maturity, high basketball IQ, and versatility on the court, Matthews is a do-everything forward who can impact a game without needing a play called for him.

Averaging 7.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in his final season with the Bulldogs, it wasn’t Matthews’ offensive numbers that led to the Rockets offering the undrafted rookie a two-way contract, but rather his defensive skills. A two-time SEC All-Defensive team member, Matthews' size and athleticism help his ability to guard multiple positions. In today’s switch-heavy defensive league, this could be his calling card for sticking with the Rockets.

Seeing an average of 23.6 minutes of court time over five Summer League games, Matthews posted just 3.8 points and 3.4 rebounds, while shooting just 22% from three-point range. While his defense was sharp, recording multiple steals and playing a role that doesn’t necessarily show up in the box score, Matthews’ struggles highlighted areas that need attention: his outside shooting consistency and tendency to turn the ball over in traffic.

With all signs pointing to Matthews playing most of his first season with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets' G-League affiliate, don’t expect the rookie to kick back. For a player who went from being undrafted to an Exhibit 10 contract to a two-way deal, Matthews’ work ethic and determination are bound to earn him some minutes in Ime Udoka’s lineup at some point this season, primarily late in blowout games or if the Rockets need a boost of energy on the defensive end.