Achilles tears has nothing to do with a players decline. It's when old age and injuries happen at the same time is when decline begins. Usually after 30, you start the declining process already, injury or not. Mathews will come back just like he was before the injury. Next season, he will be rusty all year. If he's smart, he will take it easy for a year, even if he is cleared to play, then the following year, he will be back to full strength. For example, he can be a Steve Novak next season.....without the 1 on 1 dribble drive moves. But that's what you have to decide, when spending money on him. You will not get your moneys worth until the following year.
But with todays pressure on players to return quicker than normal, causes injured players to rupture something else on the good leg. That's when it becomes an issue.
I think this is the perfect time to try and get him on a cheap contract. The only problem is everybody will try the same thing, and if every offer is equal, he will most likely stay in Portland. Ruptured Achilles is one of the most painful injuries to recover from. It really test your work ethic, confidence and patience. I would offer him something below his highest offer, otherwise look else where. Which I think Phil will do anyway if he understands all the bad luck the knicks had with injured players. The pressure of playing in NY is also not a good match for Mathews, injured or not. And once fans, media, etc....see him draining 3's in practice, moving around like he's healthy, they will pressure him into playing significant minutes.
Coming from a person with two torn Achilles, he will look normal again after 3 months, but that's fools gold. It really takes a full year to be able to play 30 plus minutes every day at the NBA level. But he will be susceptible to other injuries due to him not playing during this recovery period, and he's pushing 30. So its a long, hard road to come back from. I know one thing will be better, and that's his set shot. Cause that's all you can do, while recovering. My shot was like water when I returned. My first step was shot, but all I needed was a pick and it was over.
Everybody tears their Achilles the same way....Mine happened that way too, on both sides. Overtime, when you do that move consistently (1st step was my go to move), it will cause minor tears and inflammation overtime.....which is why Calderon is in a boot. Then it feels better, so you go out and play at 100 mph.....Not realizing it's still torn.....until it ruptures completely, it will always be an issue. Mine was sore for 8 plus years before it completely torn. I came back both times in 3 months, and won a championship game after the 1st tear.....As a pivotal player on the team. It can happen, but it's harder when you play basketball to pay the bills....I didn't have that kind of pressure! Mine was just a local city league. The only pressure I had was pressure I put on myself.
Born in Brooklyn, Raised in Queens, Lives in Maryland.
The future is bright, I'm a Knicks fan for life!