he was a stout solid defender and just all around smart player too http://www.basketball-reference.com...um=1&p1=eliema01&y1=2001&p2=matthwe02&y2=2011 STOMP
Guys like Artest and Bowen weren't considered the best perimeter defender in the league early in their respective careers... It takes time to develop from a good defender to a great one. Matthews has the tools to be as good as Artest there. And they have extremely similar games elsewhere.
Ron was averaging twice as many steals the first two years of his career and could be put on just about anyone. He was an absolute terror. His defense was the only reason Pacer fans still miss him. The guy cracked Michael Jordan's ribs in a pick up game because MJ was trying to show him up. I will give Wes credit for getting to Ron's level when he gets there and not until then. Never think Wes will be able to be put on a PF though. Offensively, I do see some similarities. They like the 3 and have some ability to get to the basket. Neither I would want to rely on consistently to close out ballgames. The huge differences there I see are that Artest is much better at posting up and Wes is far above Ron in the open court.
Artest is about two inches taller and about 30-40lbs heavier. But they have somewhat similar games. Because he's smaller, he seems a lot quicker than Artest, though.
Of players in recent memory, he reminds me of Ruben Patterson with a brain, a conscience, and a high quality three point shot. That's a pretty damned nice player to have.
