Ranking the 6 worst starters of the Rockets' rebuild

4. Garrison Mathews

This one stings, I have to admit. Mathews became an instant fan favorite, drawing the moniker "Garry Bird", in comparison to NBA legend Larry Bird.

I, personally, noticed that Mathews was still on the free agent market late in 2021 and thought the Rockets should pounce immediately. Here was a 24-year-old who hadn't quite gotten a shot in the NBA, as the Washington Wizards questionably failed to give him a bigger role despite his ability to shoot from deep (38.9 percent from deep through his first two seasons).

Mathews' efficiency from long-range took a bit of a dip, as he made 36 percent of his treys in year one on 5.9 attempts, while averaging 10 points. Mathews didn't provide much else outside of long-range shooting, as he wasn't known as a formidable defender.

In fact, 84 percent of Mathews' field goal attempts came from behind the arc. Mathews often took ill-advised treys early in the shot clock, as he never found a 3-point shot that he didn't like.

In year two, Mathews was relegated to the bench, and his minutes were sliced in half (26.3 to 13.4) year over year. In other words, Mathews fell out of favor rather quickly and was eventually dealt to the Atlanta Hawks in a deal that netted the Rockets two second-round picks.