The Indiana Pacers are set to sign guard Garrison Mathews using a hardship exception, NBA insider Michael Scotto reported on Thursday. Mathews has averaged 6.5 points per game and shot 38.2% from three-point range over his NBA career with the Wizards, Rockets, and Hawks.
Indiana (2-13) is seeking perimeter shooting and bench depth to stabilize rotations during a challenging start to the season. Mathews’ experience as a three-point threat and floor spacer aligns with the Pacers’ need for scoring from the backcourt.
Mathews, who went undrafted in 2019, debuted with the Washington Wizards and scored a career-high 28 points against the Miami Heat in 2019. He later spent multiple seasons with Houston, converting a two-way contract into a standard deal, before joining Atlanta in a trade in 2023.
Last season with Atlanta, Mathews averaged 7.5 points over 47 games, providing spot minutes and floor spacing off the bench. His veteran presence can support younger guards like Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard.
The Pacers’ front office is prioritizing flexibility, as the hardship exception allows Mathews to join the roster without a guaranteed long-term commitment. This move comes amid ongoing evaluation of rotations and bench production in a struggling 2-13 team.
Indiana has also been active on the frontcourt, recently signing Jeremiah Robinson-Earl on a non-guaranteed deal.
