In a bold move to inject some much-needed firepower into their injury-ravaged lineup, the Indiana Pacers are turning to sharpshooting veteran Garrison Mathews. The team is set to ink the free agent wing to a 10-day contract via a hardship exception, as reported by Michael Scotto of Hoopshype. At 29, Mathews brings a lethal perimeter threat that’s been honed over six gritty NBA seasons—could this be the spark that reignites the defending Eastern Conference champions?
Mathews’ journey to Indiana is a tale of near-misses and resilient comebacks. Fresh off three solid years with the Atlanta Hawks, he battled for a spot on the New York Knicks’ roster this preseason but ultimately fell short, edged out by Landry Shamet for one of the final berths. Flash back to 2021, and you’ll find him in a similar spot: dazzling in the Boston Celtics’ preseason camp as a potential “assassin” from deep, only to be one of the last cuts. Undeterred, he pivoted to the Houston Rockets, where he began carving out his reputation as a reliable 3-point specialist.
Don’t let the cuts fool you—Mathews is a proven sniper. Across his career stints with the Washington Wizards, Rockets, and Hawks, he’s drained triples at a crisp 38.2 percent clip. In an era where spacing and shooting win games, his ability to stretch the floor could be a game-changer for a Pacers squad desperate for offensive punch.
Indiana’s early-season woes have been brutal, starting with a dismal 2-13 record amid a barrage of injuries. All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton has been sidelined, joined by key contributors like Obi Toppin (foot sprain), Aaron Nesmith (knee issue), and Kam Jones (back problems)—all expected to miss several more weeks. To navigate this storm, the Pacers are making savvy roster tweaks: alongside Mathews’ arrival, they’re signing forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to a two-year deal while waiving guard Monte Morris to clear space.
But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The Pacers are finally getting healthier, with young gun Bennedict Mathurin and veteran TJ McConnell returning to action this week. Their impact was immediate, fueling a gritty victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. As the team claws back toward contention, Mathews’ addition feels like a calculated gamble—a low-risk opportunity for him to prove he’s still got that killer instinct.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see if Mathews can live up to the hype. He’ll have a shot at making his Pacers debut on Friday, when Indiana heads to Cleveland for a showdown with the Cavaliers. If his track record holds, expect some fireworks from beyond the arc. Will this “prove-it” deal turn into something more? The Pacers—and their faithful—are hoping so. Stay tuned as Indiana fights to reclaim their Eastern Conference throne.