Former Rockets is proving the team whiffed by letting him get away

In Houston Rockets history, some players become folklore legend.

If you're old enough, you remember Moochie Norris' hair - even if you don't recall his stats. Chuck Hayes was an undersized big without any offensive abilities, but if you watched him during his time in Houston, you still love him. Patrick Beverley is the quintessential player you love to hate: until he's on your team.

Then, there's Garrison Mathews. Rockets fans came to know him as Garry Bird affectionately.

Was that nickname a bit sardonic? You bet. Mathews never garnered legitimate comparisons to Larry Legend. Still, it was rooted in some reality. Mathews turned in performances for the Rockets that made you question where he stood in the pantheon of NBA shooters.

Those performances came during otherwise dark times. Mathews was a product of the tanking era. Those days are gone, and only the lottery picks that came from them and Jae'Sean Tate remain.

Perhaps the Rockets should have held onto Mathews instead.

Rockets need a sharpshooter

Let's check in with the Birdman.

In 2024-25, Mathews is averaging 8.9 points in 19.8 minutes per game with the Hawks. He's shooting 47.4% on 4.8 three-point attempts per contest.

Isn't that exactly the player the Rockets need?

Mathews is a gifted movement shooter. He always has been. Part of what endeared him to Rockets fans was his unorthodox form. He can still get that shot at any time.

He doesn't do much else. Mathews isn't a playmaker. He's a mediocre defender. Still, when he lets it fly, it finds nylon on a regular basis.

How could the Rockets let him go?

Rockets need to replace Mathews

Jokes aside, losing Mathews isn't a big deal. He's the type of player who's useful on any NBA roster, but also expendable. It's worth noting that he played for a literal minute in Atlanta's last contest.

The Rockets need a player with the same skillset. They should be looking to pay a shooting specialist minimal money to come in and space the floor when floor spacing is needed. It's a dynamic that's missing on this roster.

There have been suggestions that they should trade for Duncan Robinson. Granted, he makes substantial money, but next season is the last on his contract. He'd be a sensible target.

The Rockets could make a wide range of deals for a shooting specialist. Who knows? They could even bring back Mathews. The Hawks would likely part with him for a modest price.

Perhaps the legend of Gary Bird will live on.