Mississippi State Star Cam Mathews Joins Houston Rockets, Eyes Two-Way Contract
Cam Mathews, a two-time SEC All-Defensive Team selection and one of the most consistent and gritty forwards in recent Mississippi State basketball history, is taking the next step in his career. League sources confirmed that Mathews will join the Houston Rockets for training camp and will compete for a coveted two-way contract spot ahead of the 2025 NBA season.
Known for his defensive prowess, relentless energy, and veteran leadership, Mathews leaves behind a legacy at Mississippi State as one of the program’s cornerstones during his time in Starkville. His defensive impact on the game has earned respect across the SEC, and now he’ll attempt to make a name for himself at the professional level with a Rockets team looking to infuse toughness and depth into its rotation.
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 225 pounds, Mathews averaged 9.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game during his senior season, while consistently guarding the opponent’s best forward or wing. His ability to defend multiple positions, switch on pick-and-rolls, and make hustle plays fits the mold of the modern NBA role player.
The Rockets, who finished the 2024 season with signs of promise under head coach Ime Udoka, are clearly placing value on defensive intensity and work ethic as they continue to retool their roster. Mathews will join a young core featuring Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Green, and will be part of Houston’s Summer League and preseason training circuit, where he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
“This is the kind of guy you want on your bench in the NBA,” said one scout familiar with Mathews. “He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. He’s smart, physical, and plays with an edge. That’s what keeps you around in this league.”
Two-way contracts allow players to spend time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate, and for Mathews, it could be the ideal path to gradually adjust to the pro level while carving out a role in Houston’s system. The Rockets’ G League team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, has a strong track record of developing role players who have gone on to earn full-time NBA contracts.
While undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Mathews’ signing underscores how defensive specialists with intangibles like leadership and consistency can still find viable entry points into the league. His work ethic, combined with the Rockets’ developmental infrastructure, could prove to be a successful pairing.
Mathews’ journey from SEC stalwart to potential NBA contributor is a testament to staying the course, embracing your identity, and proving that even in a league built on superstar talent, there’s always room for players who know how to grind, defend, and do the little things right.
As training camp approaches, all eyes in Houston—and in Starkville—will be watching closely to see if Cam Mathews can take the next step and officially earn a spot in the NBA.
