After completing a four-year stint at Marquette, Wesley Matthews set his sights on the NBA and entered the 2009 NBA draft. However, he faced the disappointment of going undrafted. Undeterred, Matthews continued to showcase his skills, joining the Utah Jazz for the Orlando Summer League and later the Sacramento Kings for the Las Vegas Summer League.
In September 2009, he secured a one-year deal with the Utah Jazz, marking the beginning of his professional journey in the NBA. A significant turning point came in February 2010 when, following the trade of Ronnie Brewer, head coach Jerry Sloan elevated Matthews to the position of the team's starting shooting guard. This move proved fruitful for Matthews, providing him with increased playing time and opportunities to make an impact on the court.
A notable highlight in his early NBA career occurred on March 14, where Matthews delivered an outstanding performance by scoring a then-career-high 29 points. This impressive feat included making six three-point shots, showcasing his scoring prowess even in a 119-111 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This performance was indicative of Wesley Matthews' potential and resilience as he navigated the challenges of his early professional basketball journey.