Former Atlanta Hawks 3-Point Specialist Leaving NBA to Play in Italy
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Former Atlanta Hawks 3-Point Specialist Leaving NBA to Play in Italy
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Garrison Mathews #24 of the Atlanta Hawks attempts a three pointer in front of Kris Dunn #8 of the LA Clippers during a 131-105 Clippers win at Intuit Dome on January 04, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) USER IS NOT PERMITTED TO DOWNLOAD OR USE IMAGE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Getty
Juan Paolo David·HEAVY
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4 min read
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 14: Garrison Mathews #24 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Getty
CJ McCollum of the Atlanta Hawks during an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Getty
After seven seasons in the NBA, formerAtlanta Hawksshooting guardGarrison Mathewsis set to take his talents overseas.
In an interview with Charles Pulliam of The Williamson Herald, Mathews confirmed that he'll be joining Olimpia Milano of the Lega Basket Serie A in Italy.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," Mathews said. "I didn't think I'd ever play (overseas), but I got a couple calls with some great offers that were too hard to pass up."
Alessandro Luigi Maggi of Sportandofirst reported Mathews reached an agreement to sign with Olimpia Milano last month. The club has yet to make it official, but it will likely happen before the start of their training camp on August 15.
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Mathews is set to join other former NBA players on the Olimpia Milano roster, such asMoses Wright,Leandro Bolmaro,Devon Hall, Marko Guduric andAlec Peters. The club has won 32 Italian Championships, nine Italian Cups and 3 EuroLeague titles.
Garrison Mathews' NBA Career
Garrison Matthews
GettyGarrison Mathews #24 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a three-point basket against thePhoenix Sunsduring the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
After four seasons at Lipscomb, Garrison Mathews entered the 2019 NBA draft. He went undrafted but signed a two-way contract with theWashington Wizards. He played the majority of his rookie season in the NBA G League before carving out a spot in the rotation in his second year.
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Mathews signed with theHouston Rocketsin 2021,posting career highsof 10.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per game on 36.0% shooting from 3-point range. He was initially on a two-way deal before signing a four-year, $8.2 million standard contract.
However, the Rockets traded him to the Atlanta Hawks midway through his second season in Houston. He primarily played off the bench with the Hawks, coming in as a 3-point specialist.
After two and a half seasons in Atlanta, Mathews became a free agent and signed with theIndiana Pacers. He was waived last December and spent time with his family before making a decision on his future.
"These last six months or so being back home has been really nice for me, just being able to spend time with my family and see old friends again," Mathews toldCharles Pulliam.
In seven NBA seasons, Mathewsaveraged6.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 329 games. He shot 37.0% from 3-point range, with a high of 44.0% during the 2023-24 season with the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks This Offseason
CJ McCollum
GettyC.J. McCollum #3 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball againstOusmane Dieng#21 of theMilwaukee Bucksat Fiserv Forum on March 04, 2026 inMilwaukee, Wisconsin.
