Garrison Mathews
An undrafted sharpshooter from Lipscomb University who carved out an NBA role with relentless hustle and a quick-trigger three-point shot.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 24·Millennials
Biography
Garrison Mathews's path to the NBA is a classic underdog story. After going undrafted out of Lipscomb University—a small school not known for producing pros—he had to fight for every opportunity. He earned a two-way contract through sheer will, showcasing a specific, valuable skill: fearless three-point shooting. Mathews plays with a noticeable edge, a physicality on defense and a willingness to take charges that endears him to coaches and fans. His breakout moment came with the Washington Wizards, where he logged significant minutes and set a franchise record for three-pointers in a game by a rookie. Though his role has shifted as he moved between teams, including the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks, he maintained his identity as a specialist who spaces the floor and competes on every possession, proving that a defined skill and maximum effort can forge an NBA career.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Garrison was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Garrison Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Garrison's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the ASUN Conference Player of the Year in 2019 while at Lipscomb University.
- Set a Washington Wizards franchise record by hitting 8 three-pointers in a game as a rookie in 2020.
- Signed a standard NBA contract after initially joining the league on a two-way deal.
Did You Know?
He is the all-time leading scorer in Lipscomb University basketball history.
His father, Scott Mathews, was a Major League Baseball pitcher for 11 seasons.
He went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft before signing with the Washington Wizards.
“My job is to shoot. If I'm open, I'm letting it fly.”
