Garrison Mathews, commonly known as “Gary Bird,” is an American professional basketball player playing for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Born on October 24, 1996, in Franklin, Tennessee, Mathews had a notable college career before making his mark in the NBA.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Garrison Mathews
Nick Name	Gary Bird
Date of Birth	October 24, 1996
Age	27 Years Old
Birth Place	Franklin, Tennessee, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White
Zodiac Sign	Scorpio
Height	6 feet 6 inches / 1.98 m
Weight	215 lbs / 98 kg
High School	Franklin High School
University	Lipscomb University
Father’s Name	Rob Mathews
Mother’s Name	Jane Mathews
Siblings	2 (one older sister and one older brother)
Girlfriend	Lexi Wertz
Religion	Christianity
Profession	Basketball Player
Position	Shooting Guard
League	NBA
Team	Atlanta Hawks (2022-present)
Jersey Number	25
Tattoos	Yes
NBA Draft	Undrafted (2019)
Highlights & Awards	2019 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year  3× First-team All-Atlantic Sun (2017–2019)
Net Worth	$1 Million (approx.)
Salary (Average)	$2.05 Million
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter

Garrison Mathews Early Life & Family

Garrison Mathews, a Franklin, Tennessee native, entered the world on October 24, 1996, as the youngest member of a close-knit family. Rob and Jane Mathews’s parents provided a supportive foundation for his upbringing. Garrison has two older siblings, Juliet and Braden, creating a lively household. The family’s athletic heritage is noteworthy, with Garrison’s grandfather contributing to the legacy as a Ole Miss’ 1962 National Championship football team member. In 2017, Mathews took to Instagram to share a heartwarming update on his mother’s life, expressing love and admiration.

College Career

Mathews began as a dual-sport athlete at Franklin High School, participating in basketball and football. However, upon joining Lipscomb University, he focused exclusively on basketball. During his time with the Lipscomb Bisons, Mathews became one of the program’s top players, setting Division I-era records in career scoring, single-game scoring, and three-pointers.

In his junior year, Garrison Mathews was pivotal in guiding the Lipscomb Bisons to their inaugural NCAA tournament appearance. His leadership and on-court performance were instrumental in achieving this historic milestone for the team. As he progressed to his senior year, Mathews continued to shine, garnering the prestigious title of Atlantic Sun Player of the Year and receiving first-team All-Atlantic Sun honors. 

Mathews played a pivotal role in Lipscomb’s runner-up finish at the 2019 NIT, showcasing his scoring prowess with notable performances, including a 44-point effort in the quarterfinals and a 34-point display in the semifinals.

In his senior season, Mathews averaged an impressive 20.8 points per game, contributing significantly to Lipscomb’s success. His college career concluded with a total of 2,478 points.

Professional Career

Washington Wizards (2019–2021)

Despite going undrafted in the NBA draft in 2019, Mathews signed a two-way contract deal with the Washington Wizards. This arrangement allowed him to split his time between the Wizards and their NBA G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go. Mathews made his NBA debut on October 23, 2019, and showcased his skills throughout his tenure with the Wizards. Notably, on December 30, 2019, he scored a career-high 28 points in a victory over the Miami Heat.

Houston Rockets (2021–2023)

In September 2021, Mathews signed with the Boston Celtics but was waived at the end of training camp. Shortly after, the Houston Rockets claimed him off waivers, eventually converting his contract into a two-way deal with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The Rockets later announced the conversion of Mathews’ two-way deal to a standard contract on December 18.

Atlanta Hawks (2023–Present)

On February 9, 2023, Mathews was part of a trade that sent him and Bruno Fernando to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Frank Kaminsky, Justin Holiday, and two future second-round draft picks. As of the present, Mathews continues to contribute to the Atlanta Hawks’ success in the NBA.

Age, Height, and Altercation

At 27, Garrison Mathews stands tall at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches, commanding the court. His physical prowess and skill set make him a notable figure in the NBA. The altercation with Malik Monk on January 13, 2023, became a turning point in Mathews’ career, resulting in a $35,000 fine. The incident underlined the intensity and competitiveness of professional basketball, showcasing Mathews’ resilience in the face of on-court challenges.

Nickname and Popularity

Garrison Mathews’ moniker, “Gary Bird,” reflects his exceptional 3-point shooting abilities, drawing parallels to the iconic Larry Bird. The nickname gained widespread popularity, particularly on social media, after a Texas A&M student created a meme featuring Mathews and Larry Bird. This playful recognition pays tribute to Mathews’ scoring prowess and impact on the game, reminiscent of the legendary Boston Celtics player.

Personal Life and Relationships

Beyond the basketball court, Garrison Mathews has shared glimpses of his personal life. The player has been romantically linked to Lexi Wertz, with the couple sharing intimate moments that garnered attention on social media. Despite Lexi’s preference for a private social media presence, their December 2022 Instagram post fueled excitement among fans. Before his relationship with Lexi, rumors circulated about a connection between Mathews and Lindsey Nance, a traffic anchor for WSMV News4 Nashville. Allegedly, their paths crossed during their time at Lipscomb University.

Net Worth and Salary

Garrison Mathews’ financial trajectory in the NBA showcases his dedication and progress. Making his NBA debut in 2019, Mathews secured a standard deal in 2021, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. As of 2023, his estimated net worth stands at $1 million. His four-year Rest-of-Season contract with the Houston Rockets, signed in 2021, is valued at $8.23 million, with $4 million guaranteed. Following his trade to the Atlanta Hawks in 2023, his total salary for the 2022-23 season is distributed between the Rockets and the Hawks, highlighting the intricate financial dynamics in professional sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jersey number of Garrison Mathews?

Garrison Mathews proudly sports jersey number 25 for the Atlanta Hawks.

Is Garrison Mathews in a relationship?

While there were past rumors about a relationship with Lindsey Nance, Garrison Mathews is currently in a romantic partnership with Lexi Wertz, affirming his commitment to personal and professional success.

Garrison Mathews Girlfriend Lexi Wertz: Persona Life and Career

Lexi Wertz has become a prominent figure in the media, known for her multifaceted career as a media personality, businesswoman, and TikTok influencer. While she has managed to keep much of her personal life private, one aspect that occasionally surfaces in headlines is her relationship with NBA player Garrison Mattews.

Early Life, Education, and Family

Lexi Wertz, born in 1997 in the United States, is a media personality, businesswoman, and TikTok sensation who has managed to reach the heights of her career while maintaining considerable privacy. With a family that prefers to stay out of the public eye, Lexi’s father, Mr. Wertz, is a businessman, while her mother, Mrs. Wertz, is a supportive homemaker.

 

Although details about Lexi’s education are yet to be fully disclosed, she has pursued her studies to the highest level and successfully earned a degree. Lexi’s journey through her late 20s has been marked by a deliberate effort to keep personal information away from the public eye.

Personal Life and Relationship

The central mystery surrounding Lexi Wertz is her relationship with Garrison Mattews, an NBA player. Despite being in the public eye, the couple has chosen to keep their relationship private. Garrison Mattews, known for his basketball career, has navigated from a college standout to an established NBA role player.

The couple’s decision to maintain privacy is rooted in their desire to take things slow and avoid complications that come with public scrutiny. Their relationship first made headlines with a picture debut in 2022, and since then, they’ve carefully managed periodic public appearances, ensuring their personal lives remain largely undisclosed.

Career

Lexi Wertz is a media personality with a thriving business that operates away from public attention. Her boyfriend, Garrison Mattews, has made a name for himself in the NBA despite going undrafted in 2019. His journey from the G League to the NBA has been characterized by hard work and perseverance, making him a notable figure in basketball.

Garrison Mattews has played for various teams, including the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks. On the other hand, Lexi Wertz maintains her career away from media interference, showcasing her dedication to keeping her private and professional life separate.

Net Worth

Lexi Wertz’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million. However, details about her income source remain elusive due to her commitment to privacy. As a businesswoman and dog lover, Lexi’s profile is marked by a deliberate effort to keep her life out of the limelight.

In contrast, Garrison Mattews has achieved a net worth of $10 million, primarily from his successful NBA career. Despite the differences in public visibility, Lexi and Garrison are financially secure as they continue nurturing their private relationship.