NBA: Ranking all 30 starting small forwards for 2018-19

21. Wesley Matthews, Dallas Mavericks

Wesley Matthews is still more than worthy of respect as one of the game’s established 3-and-D wings. He hasn’t been quite the same since his career-altering Achilles injury, but he still posted 12.7 points per game for the Dallas Mavericks last year. He also shot 38.1 percent from 3.

More than likely, Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic will hold things down in the backcourt, and though Dirk Nowitzki could return to his original position at the 4 with DeAndre Jordan holding down the 5, it’s more likely Rick Carlisle continues using Harrison Barnes as a small-ball 4, keeps Matthews on the wing as a 3 and moves Dirk to the bench where he probably belongs (gasp!).

With that being said, Matthews is also going to turn 32 years old before the start of the upcoming season, so there’s no question his gradual decline is coming. Even in a “contract year,” it’s unlikely he’s going to suddenly gear up in preparation for another payday next summer.