Dakota

Mathias

Three days after signing Mathias to an Exhibit 10 contract, the Pacers announced on Thursday that he had been waived. This is unsurprising, as the former Purdue standout was expected to suit up for the team’s G League affiliate. If Mathias remains with the Mad Ants for a certain amount of time, he’ll be guaranteed a bonus of $77,500.

Mathias, a standout at Purdue before heading to the professional ranks, has appeared in 14 games during his NBA career. He most recently played six games for the Grizzlies during the 2021-22 campaign. Since then, Mathias has played in the G League and internationally, most recently for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. The expectation is that he will play for the Pacers’ G League affiliate this season.

Tillie’s versatility had him looking like he might make the final cut this season but it wasn’t meant to be. He could end up signing with another team this season. Tillie played in 54 games over the last two seasons and apparently hasn’t fully recovered from last season’s back injury.

Mathias has a total of 14 NBA games under his belt with the Grizzlies and 76ers. Memphis already has both their two-way slots filled, so Mathias will likely end up being a featured player for their G League roster.

Mathias spent time with Memphis this season on two consecutive 10-day contracts during the Covid outbreak in the winter. He also has two-way experience with the Sixers after playing four years at Purdue. He has a lot of work to do to make the roster, so there isn’t much to get excited about yet, and from a fantasy standpoint there likely never will be.

Mathias has played in four games for the Grizz this season but hasn’t provided much fantasy value. That likely won’t change in his second stint with the team.

Mathias has eight games of NBA experience with the 76ers and will provide some emergency depth in the short term with some Grizzlies in the protocols.

Mathias spent time on a two-way deal with the Sixers last year and appeared in eight games averaging 6.0 points and 1.6 assists in 15.4 minutes per game. Mathias will still be on the radar for a two-way contract or a call-up during the regular season, neither scenario would make him a target in fantasy hoops though.

Mathias played a small role with the Sixers before being waived, and now he’ll get to showcase his talents again for Team USA on February 19th and 20th. Mathias’s teammates will include Isaiah Thomas, who is hopeful for an NBA return, and Joe Johnson.

Mathias filled in when several Sixers went into quarantine, averaging 6.0 points and 1.6 assists in 15.4 minutes per game. He made eight appearances and started two games. This roster change is for flexibility reasons, and Philly doesn’t have another imminent move in place.