Hubbry Logo
Matt BonnerMatt BonnerMain
Open search
Matt Bonner
Community hub
Matt Bonner
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Matt Bonner
Matt Bonner
Matt Bonner
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Matthew Robert Bonner (born April 5, 1980), also known as the Red Rocket or Red Mamba, is an American former professional basketball player. Bonner played college basketball for the University of Florida before being selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 45th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft. During his career Bonner played for the Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs with whom he won two NBA championships. He is the only player in NBA history to be born in New Hampshire.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Born in Concord, New Hampshire, Bonner attended Concord High School, where he helped lead them to three state championships.[1] Bonner was also the Valedictorian of his graduating class.[2]

College career

[edit]

Bonner accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida, where he played for coach Billy Donovan's Florida Gators men's basketball team from 1999 to 2003. In his four seasons, he amassed 1,570 points, 778 rebounds and 165 three-point field goals. As a senior in 2003, he was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection and an Associated Press honorable mention All-American.

Bonner graduated with a bachelor's degree, with high honors, in business administration and a 3.96 grade point average (GPA). He won Academic All-American of the Year for the sport of basketball in both 2002 and 2003.[3]

Professional career

[edit]

Sicilia Messina (2003–2004)

[edit]

Bonner was selected with the 45th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls but was then traded to the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors did not have a roster spot available at the time and asked Bonner to play overseas and hone his skills with a verbal promise to make the team the following season.

Bonner signed with Sicilia Messina of the Italian league in Messina, Sicily. Sicilia filed for bankruptcy in the middle of the season and stopped paying its players. Many players left the team but Bonner continued to play and finished the year averaging 19.2 points and 9.3 rebounds.

Toronto Raptors (2004–2006)

[edit]

In September 2004, Bonner signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Raptors. On December 15, 2004, Bonner was ejected during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after attempting to block a Kevin Garnett shot attempt, with Raptors fans giving him a standing ovation, chanting his name and high-fiving him on his way out.[4][5] In 2004–05, he played in all 82 regular season games and averaged 7.2 points. He remains the only Raptors rookie to play all 82 games in a season.[6]

In August 2005, Bonner re-signed with the Raptors on a two-year deal.[7]

San Antonio Spurs (2006–2016)

[edit]

On June 21, 2006, Bonner was traded with Eric Williams and a second round draft pick to the San Antonio Spurs for Rasho Nesterović and cash considerations. In his first season with the Spurs, he averaged 4.9 points in just 11.7 minutes per game, both of which were career lows for Bonner at that time.[8] The team went on to win the NBA championship that season.

In July 2007, Bonner re-signed with the Spurs on a three-year deal. On December 11, 2007, in a loss to the Golden State Warriors, Bonner recorded season-highs of 25 points and 17 rebounds.[9]

On December 7, 2009, Bonner scored a career high 28 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a 104–101 loss to the Utah Jazz.[10]

In July 2010, Bonner again re-signed with the Spurs on a multi-year deal. He went on to lead the NBA in three-point field goal percentage for 2010–11 after he shot 45.7%.[11]

Bonner preparing to take a free throw, 2010

In 2011, Bonner starred in Fundamentals of the Game with Coach B, a comedy web series hosted on the Spurs' official website.[12]

After a social media campaign from his brother Luke, Bonner participated in the 2013 NBA Three-Point Shootout during All-Star Weekend. He recorded a score of 19 in the first round to knock out Ryan Anderson (18) and Stephen Curry (17) and advanced to the final where he lost 20–23 to Kyrie Irving. Later that year, Bonner and the Spurs reached the NBA Finals where they lost to the Miami Heat in seven games.

On June 15, 2014, Bonner won his second NBA championship after the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat 4–1 in the 2014 NBA Finals. On July 21, 2014, Bonner re-signed with the Spurs,[13]

On July 15, 2015, Bonner again re-signed with the Spurs.[14] Bonner's final NBA game was played on April 13, 2016, in a 96–91 win over the Dallas Mavericks where he recorded 6 points,1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 block.

He announced his retirement on January 6, 2017.[15][16] On January 12, 2017, the Spurs jokingly "retired" Bonner's iconic flannel shirt in a locker room ceremony.[17]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1999–2000 Florida 36 0 13.5 .440 .286 .867 3.2 .4 .3 .3 4.8
2000–01 Florida 31 17 28.5 .514 .381 .664 7.7 1.5 .8 .4 13.3
2001–02 Florida 31 31 28.3 .513 .371 .796 7.2 1.5 .7 .7 15.6
2002–03 Florida 33 33 31.4 .510 .474 .733 6.1 1.5 1.1 .6 15.2
Career 131 81 25.0 .503 .395 .740 5.9 1.2 .7 .5 12.0

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2004–05 Toronto 82 0 18.9 .533 .424 .789 3.5 .6 .5 .2 7.2
2005–06 Toronto 78 6 21.9 .448 .420 .829 3.6 .7 .6 .4 7.5
2006–07† San Antonio 56 0 11.7 .447 .383 .711 2.8 .4 .3 .2 4.9
2007–08 San Antonio 68 3 12.5 .416 .336 .864 2.8 .5 .2 .3 4.8
2008–09 San Antonio 81 67 23.8 .496 .440 .739 4.8 1.0 .6 .3 8.2
2009–10 San Antonio 65 8 17.9 .446 .390 .729 3.3 1.0 .5 .4 7.0
2010–11 San Antonio 66 1 21.7 .464 .457* .744 3.6 .9 .4 .3 7.3
2011–12 San Antonio 65 2 20.4 .440 .420 .762 3.3 .9 .2 .3 6.6
2012–13 San Antonio 68 4 13.4 .487 .442 .733 1.9 .5 .3 .3 4.2
2013–14† San Antonio 61 0 11.3 .445 .429 .750 2.1 .5 .2 .2 3.2
2014–15 San Antonio 72 19 13.0 .409 .365 .811 1.6 .7 .1 .2 3.7
2015–16 San Antonio 30 2 6.9 .509 .441 .750 .9 .3 .2 .0 2.5
Career 792 112 16.9 .464 .414 .780 3.0 .7 .4 .3 5.8

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2007† San Antonio 9 0 2.8 .286 .250 1.000 .3 .0 .2 .0 .8
2008 San Antonio 2 0 4.5 .667 .000 .000 1.0 1.0 .0 .0 2.0
2009 San Antonio 5 5 20.0 .217 .231 1.000 3.2 .0 .6 .4 3.0
2010 San Antonio 10 0 17.3 .432 .370 1.000 3.2 .4 .1 .3 5.0
2011 San Antonio 6 0 20.5 .480 .333 .800 3.2 .3 .2 .2 6.3
2012 San Antonio 13 0 12.7 .313 .348 .600 1.9 .7 .2 .3 2.4
2013 San Antonio 20 1 13.4 .475 .469 .833 2.0 .3 .3 .3 4.1
2014† San Antonio 22 2 6.1 .476 .333 .750 .7 .5 .1 .0 1.3
2015 San Antonio 7 0 5.1 .200 .222 .000 .9 .1 .1 .1 .9
Career 94 8 11.0 .402 .355 .811 1.7 .4 .2 .2 2.8

Awards and achievements

[edit]
  • 2013–14 NBA champion
  • 2006–07 NBA champion
  • 2010–11 NBA three-point field-goal percentage leader
  • 2002–03 Honorable Mention All-American
  • 2001–02 Honorable Mention All-American
  • 2002–03 Academic All-American of the Year
  • 2001–02 Academic All-American of the Year
  • 2002–03 All-SEC First Team
  • 2001–02 All-SEC Second Team
  • 2000–01 All-SEC Third Team
  • 2002–03 SEC three-point field-goal percentage leader
  • 2002–03 All-SEC Academic
  • 2001–02 All-SEC Academic
  • 2000–01 All-SEC Academic
  • 1998–99 NHIAA Champions – Concord HS
  • 1997–98 NHIAA Champions – Concord HS
  • 1996–97 NHIAA Champions – Concord HS

Post-NBA career

[edit]

After retiring from professional basketball, Bonner joined the San Antonio Spurs TV Broadcast as a studio analyst.[18] Bonner now works as an analyst on Sportsnet for Raptors games.

Personal life

[edit]
Bonner speaking into a microphone

Bonner and his ex-wife have one daughter, Evangeline-Vesper Lynne Bonner (born June 21, 2009) and one son, August Bonner (born August 27, 2012).

He has a younger brother, Luke, who was also a professional basketball player. Luke served as Matt's best man at his wedding.[19]

Bonner applied for Canadian citizenship in February 2009, but did not qualify, due to the amount of time he spent outside the country.[20]

Bonner is a sandwich enthusiast. He has a blog titled "The Sandwich Hunter: The Quest for the Hoagie Grail" in which he documents his search for the "world's best sandwich."[21] He is also a fan of the sport of curling, due to discovering it on Canadian television during his tenure with the Toronto Raptors.[22]

During his tenure with the Toronto Raptors, he received the nickname the "Red Rocket" for his red hair and constant use of the public transit in Toronto, the Toronto Transit Commission, whose slogan is "Ride the Rocket."

Kobe Bryant coined Bonner's other nickname, the "Red Mamba", on Twitter while live-tweeting in 2013 during a televised replay of his 81-point game against Bonner and the Toronto Raptors.[23]

He was well known for being the lone NBA player wearing New Balance shoes,[24] even though he did not have a proper sponsorship deal with the brand. He said in an interview that a friend, who was a New Balance representative, was the one who provided him with a few dozen pairs of shoes. A few years later, after wearing out all the shoes, and New Balance being out of the basketball sneaker market, Bonner finally signed his first basketball shoe deal with Adidas in January 2014 with the use of the Nice Kicks Twitter account.[25]

Bonner and his brother Luke run a nonprofit organization called the Rock On Foundation, in which they look to support community involvement in arts and athletics.[26]

In March 2016, Bonner was featured on the season-premiere episode of FYI's Tiny House Nation, where he and his wife Nadia had a 276-sq.-foot house custom-built.[27]

Bonner now works as an analyst on Sportsnet for Raptors games.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Matt Bonner

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Matthew Robert Bonner (born April 5, 1980), nicknamed the "Red Rocket," is a retired American professional player who spent 12 seasons in the (NBA) as a and , renowned for his three-point shooting accuracy. Selected by the in the second round (45th overall) of the , Bonner's rights were traded to the , where he began his career in 2004, appearing in 160 games over two seasons and averaging 7.3 points per game. In 2006, he joined the , becoming a key role player on their championship-caliber teams, contributing to NBA titles in 2007 and 2014 while appearing in 632 regular-season games for the franchise. Over his entire NBA tenure with the Raptors and Spurs, Bonner played in 792 regular-season games and 94 playoff contests, posting career averages of 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game, with a 41.4% three-point shooting percentage on 2.4 attempts per game. A product of the , where he helped the Gators reach the NCAA Tournament in all four seasons from 1999 to 2003, Bonner earned a reputation as a reliable teammate and locker-room presence during his pro career. After retiring following the 2015–16 season, he transitioned into , initially serving as a studio analyst for the Spurs before joining as a radio co-host for coverage in 2024; in 2025, he was inducted into the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Early Years

Family Background and Upbringing

Matthew Robert Bonner was born on April 5, 1980, in , making him the only player in NBA history to hail from that city. Bonner grew up in a close-knit, working-class family of Catholic descent, with his father, David Bonner, working as a postal carrier and basketball official, and his mother, Paula Bonner, serving as a . The family emphasized hard work and athletics, with both parents standing over six feet tall and actively supporting their children's pursuits in sports. Bonner has two younger siblings: sister Becky, who pursued a successful career at after starting at Stanford, and brother Luke, who played professionally in Europe after college stints at and UMass. From a young age, Bonner was exposed to through local youth programs, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central , where he first joined at age six and developed a passion for the sport. His family's love for provided constant encouragement, with parents who attended games and instilled values of dedication, helping foster his early interest alongside watching NBA games. Bonner demonstrated strong academic performance throughout his schooling in Concord, balancing rigorous studies with athletics and ultimately graduating as of Concord High School's class of 1999. This early commitment to education, rooted in his family's priorities, laid the groundwork for his later academic achievements in college.

High School Career

Matt Bonner attended Concord High School in , from 1995 to 1999. During his time there, he emerged as a dominant forward, helping lead the Crimson Tide to three consecutive NHIAA Class L state championships in 1997, 1998, and 1999, compiling an impressive 77–6 record over those seasons. In his senior year of 1998–1999, Bonner averaged 35 points and 14 rebounds per game, contributing to his career total of 2,459 points, the most by any Class L player at the time. He was recognized as Player of the Year for each of his final three seasons (1997–1999), earned the 1999 Circle of Champions Regional Player of the Year award, and was a finalist for National High School Athlete of the Year. Bonner balanced his athletic success with academic excellence, graduating as of his class in 1999. His high school performance drew attention from college recruiters, ultimately leading him to commit to the , where he continued his basketball career under coach . In November 2025, Bonner was inducted into the NHIAA Hall of Fame in recognition of his high school accomplishments.

College Career

University of Florida Playing Record

Matt Bonner enrolled at the in 1999, joining the Gators' basketball team as a walk-on player. Over his four-year career from 1999 to 2003, he progressed from a reserve role in his freshman season to a key starter by his junior and senior years, appearing in 131 games and becoming an integral part of the team's frontcourt rotation. His development showcased his and shooting prowess, evolving into a reliable scorer and rebounder for the (SEC) squad. Bonner's career statistics at Florida highlight his consistent contributions, amassing 1,570 points at an average of 12.0 , 778 rebounds averaging 5.9 per game, and 158 assists (1.2 per game) across his tenure. His scoring peaked during the 2001–02 season, where he averaged 15.6 , leading the team in field goals made and ranking among SEC scorers. In his senior year (2002–03), Bonner averaged 15.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, contributing to Florida's 25–8 overall record and second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
SeasonGames PlayedPoints (PPG)Rebounds (RPG)Assists (APG)FG%3P%
1999–0036172 (4.8)115 (3.2)15 (0.4)44.0%28.6%
2000–0131412 (13.3)239 (7.7)47 (1.5)51.4%38.1%
2001–0231484 (15.6)223 (7.2)47 (1.5)51.3%37.1%
2002–0333501 (15.2)201 (6.1)49 (1.5)51.0%47.4%
Career1311,570 (12.0)778 (5.9)158 (1.2)51.0%39.8%
Bonner played pivotal roles in several key games, particularly during Florida's NCAA Tournament appearances. In the 2000 NCAA Tournament, as a , he contributed off the bench in the Gators' run, including a 6-point performance in a second-round win over . His senior year featured strong showings in SEC play, including a 25-point outing against . These efforts underscored his value in high-stakes matchups, where his perimeter shooting and rebounding stretched defenses. A hallmark of Bonner's college career was his development as a three-point shooter, improving from 28.6% as a to a senior-year average of 47.4% from beyond the arc on increased attempts, which ranked among the SEC leaders. This growth transformed him from a post player into a versatile forward, enhancing Florida's offensive spacing during his later seasons. Following his senior year, Bonner's college performance earned him selection in the , picked 45th overall in the second round by the before being traded to the on draft night.

Academic and Team Honors

Matt Bonner exemplified academic excellence throughout his tenure at the , graduating in May 2003 with a in and a 3.96 grade point average. His scholarly achievements earned him recognition as a two-time Academic All-American in 2002 and 2003, including being named the Verizon Academic All-American of the Year for men's in both years. Additionally, Bonner was selected to the (SEC) Academic Honor Roll multiple times, reflecting his consistent performance in the classroom while maintaining eligibility as a Division I athlete. On the court, Bonner's contributions complemented his academic success, as he was named to the All-SEC First Team in 2003, following a senior season in which he averaged 15.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He earned All-SEC Third Team honors in 2001, Second Team in 2002, and First Team in 2003. He played a key role in the Gators' SEC regular season championship teams in 2000 and 2001, helping Florida secure back-to-back shared titles and reach the 2000 NCAA national championship game. These team accomplishments underscored his value as a versatile forward who balanced scoring and rebounding responsibilities, providing essential context for his on-court honors. Bonner's ability to juggle rigorous academics with a demanding basketball schedule highlighted his disciplined approach, as evidenced by his near-perfect GPA amid consistent starting minutes over four seasons. His commitment fostered a team environment that valued intellectual growth alongside athletic prowess, influencing teammates through his example of prioritizing . In post-graduation reflections, Bonner emphasized how his experience instilled a of preparation and resilience, stating that he sought "the best I could... If basketball didn't work out, I figured I'd have a degree to fall back on," which shaped his professional outlook in the NBA.

Professional Basketball Career

Pre-NBA Experience in Italy

After being selected 45th overall in the by the and traded to the , Bonner did not secure a spot on the Raptors' opening roster and instead signed a one-year contract with Sicilia of Italy's on September 7, 2003, for the 2003–2004 season. In 33 games with , Bonner averaged 19.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while shooting 54.4% from the field, demonstrating his adaptation to the physicality of professional and the nuances of international competition. Bonner learned professional routines and honed his skills under European coaching during the stint, though the experience included significant challenges such as cultural adjustment in , including periods without running water. Midway through the season, Sicilia Messina filed for and ceased paying its players, leading many teammates to depart, but Bonner persevered and completed the full campaign, which boosted his visibility and paved the way for an NBA contract with . He returned to the United States in the summer of 2004 following the conclusion of the Italian season.

Toronto Raptors Tenure

After spending the 2003-04 season playing professionally in Italy with Sicilia Messina, where he honed his skills as a stretch forward, Matt Bonner signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Toronto Raptors on September 20, 2004. This deal marked his entry into the NBA following the trade of his draft rights from the Chicago Bulls to Toronto in 2003. In his rookie season of 2004-05, Bonner appeared in all 82 games for the Raptors, providing consistent bench production during a rebuilding year under Sam Mitchell, who took over mid-season and led the team to a 33-49 record. Averaging 7.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.4% from three-point range, he earned the nickname "Red Rocket" for his and frequent use of Toronto's public transit system, whose slogan is "Ride the ." One memorable performance came on March 11, 2005, when he scored a then-career-high 21 points in an victory against the . During the 2005-06 sophomore campaign, Bonner continued as a reliable reserve, playing in 78 games and averaging 7.5 points and 3.6 rebounds, with his spot-up and energetic play contributing to the team's spacing needs amid another challenging season that ended 27-55. On June 21, 2006, following the conclusion of the regular season, Bonner was traded to the along with and a future second-round pick in exchange for and cash considerations.

San Antonio Spurs Era

Matt Bonner was traded to the from the on June 21, 2006, along with and a second-round draft pick, in exchange for center . Under head coach , Bonner quickly established himself as a reliable reserve forward, leveraging his three-point shooting to provide spacing in the Spurs' disciplined offensive system. In his debut season of 2006–07, Bonner appeared in 56 games, averaging 4.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range. His contributions helped the Spurs capture the NBA championship, defeating the 4–0 in the Finals for Bonner's first title. Although his playoff minutes were limited to 2.8 per game across nine appearances, his regular-season role as a spot-up shooter complemented the team's core stars. Bonner's performance peaked during the 2009–10 season, where he averaged 7.0 in 65 contests, including a career-high 28 points in a single game against the on December 7. The following year, in 2010–11, he led the NBA in percentage at 45.7 percent on 3.5 attempts per game, earning recognition as one of the league's most efficient long-range shooters from the forward position. These seasons highlighted his growth into a specialized role player, often deployed to stretch defenses and support San Antonio's . Over his decade with the Spurs, Bonner's responsibilities expanded beyond scoring; he became a locker room leader, valued for his , , and seamless integration into the team's of selflessness. He appeared in 632 regular-season games for the franchise, averaging 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds overall. This longevity culminated in a second championship in 2014, when the Spurs overcame the 4–1 in ; Bonner played in 22 playoff games that year, contributing 1.2 points per game primarily through timely . On January 6, 2017, Bonner announced his retirement following the 2015–16 season, reflecting on his 10 years with the Spurs as the defining chapter of his professional career.

Career Statistics

NBA Regular Season and Playoffs

Matt Bonner's NBA regular season career spanned 12 seasons, during which he appeared in 792 games, averaging 5.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 46.4% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range. During his time with the from 2004 to 2006, Bonner played in 160 games, averaging 7.4 . With the from 2006 to 2016, he logged 632 games, averaging 5.5 . His seasonal scoring averages peaked in several years, including 8.0 in the 2007–08 season. In the playoffs, Bonner suited up for 94 games across nine postseason appearances, averaging 2.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. A standout performance came in the , where he averaged 4.0 on 50% three-point shooting as part of the Spurs' championship run. Advanced metrics highlight Bonner's efficiency as a specialist shooter and player. His trended upward early in his career before stabilizing, peaking at 61.5% in the 2010–11 season. Minutes per game evolved from over 20 in his initial full seasons with the Raptors and early Spurs years to a consistent bench of under 15 minutes later, reflecting his transition to a specialized contributor. For context, Bonner's college performance at the showed higher volume production prior to his professional career.
SeasonGamesPPGRPGFG%3P%
Career13112.05.950.339.5

College Statistics

Matt Bonner concluded his four-year career at the with impressive statistical contributions as a forward, appearing in 131 games and accumulating 1,570 points, 778 rebounds, 158 assists, and 64 blocks overall. His per-game averages stood at 12.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 blocks, reflecting steady development into a reliable scorer and rebounder for the Gators. He shot 50.3% from the field (580-of-1,154) and 39.5% from three-point range (165-of-418), showcasing his efficiency as a stretch forward capable of spacing the floor. Bonner's statistical growth was evident year by year, transitioning from a limited-role to a dominant senior leader. As a in 1999-00, he averaged 4.8 points and 3.2 rebounds across 36 games, primarily off the bench during Florida's run. His sophomore season (2000-01) marked a breakout, with averages of 13.3 points and 7.7 rebounds in 31 games, including strong contributions in SEC play where he ranked 16th in conference scoring with 411 total points. By his junior year (2001-02), Bonner elevated to 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game over 31 appearances, placing 10th in SEC scoring with 484 points and earning second-team All-SEC honors for his consistent output. In his senior campaign (2002-03), he maintained excellence at 15.2 points and 6.1 rebounds in 33 games, leading the Gators in scoring while ranking sixth in the SEC with 501 points and securing first-team All-SEC recognition.
SeasonGamesPPGRPGAPGBPGFG%3P%
1999-00364.83.20.40.3.440.286
2000-013113.37.71.50.4.514.381
2001-023115.67.21.50.7.513.371
2002-033315.26.11.50.6.510.474
Career13112.05.91.20.5.503.395
In games, Bonner's scoring averaged approximately 12.5 points per game across his career, with his efficiency shining through high-volume three-point attempts—he drained 165 career threes, a mark that highlighted his role as Florida's primary outside threat. His rebounding peaked during key victories, such as double-digit boards in multiple SEC wins during his sophomore and junior years, underscoring his versatility on the glass despite his 6-10 frame. In NCAA Tournament play, Bonner contributed notably as a in 2000, averaging around 4-5 points in limited minutes during Florida's run to the , including appearances in all six games. Later tournaments in 2001 and 2003 saw him step up as a starter, with solid scoring outputs in Round of 32 exits that aligned with his season averages. These statistics illustrated Bonner's evolution within Florida's system under coach , where he shifted from a reserve to a focal point of the offense, leveraging his shooting and rebounding to anchor the frontcourt. This progression directly influenced his draft stock, leading to selection as the 45th overall pick by the in the after a senior year that solidified his reputation as a skilled big man.

Awards and Accomplishments

NBA Championships and Records

Matt Bonner won two NBA championships during his tenure with the . In 2006–07, he contributed to the team's victory over the in the , appearing in all four games off the bench with limited minutes, averaging 1.0 point and 1.0 rebound while shooting 25.0% from three-point range on four attempts. His role was primarily as a reserve power forward during a season in which the Spurs dominated the league with a balanced rotation led by , , and . Bonner's second championship came in 2013–14, when the Spurs defeated the 4–1 in the , avenging their loss from the previous year. Although his Finals minutes were modest (averaging 6.8 minutes across four games with 1.3 points and 50.0% shooting), Bonner played a larger role in the playoffs overall, shooting 50.0% from three-point range (25-for-50) as a key spot-up shooter in San Antonio's . His efficiency helped space the floor for the team's star players during their 16–7 postseason run. Among his individual accomplishments, Bonner led the NBA in percentage during the 2010–11 regular season, connecting on 45.7% of his attempts (105-for-230), qualifying with the league's minimum threshold of 82 makes. This marked a career highlight for the 6-foot-10 forward, known for his reliable catch-and-shoot ability, and he ranked fifth in Spurs franchise history for career three-pointers made with 656 during his time in . Bonner never earned selection but was widely recognized for embodying the Spurs' "Silver and Black" culture of humility, teamwork, and positivity, often praised by coaches and teammates for his locker room presence and leadership.

Post-Retirement Honors

Following his retirement from the NBA in 2017, Matt Bonner received several honors recognizing his basketball legacy and community contributions. In 2015, he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the class honoring Gator Greats from various sports, acknowledging his collegiate career where he scored 1,570 points and earned multiple All-SEC selections. Bonner is also a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame, inducted in 2018, celebrating his lifelong involvement with the organization that began in his youth in , and extended through post-retirement efforts supporting youth athletic and artistic programs. In June 2025, Bonner was inducted into Concord High School's Wall of Fame, highlighting his standout high school performance that included leading the team to a 77-6 record and three consecutive state championships from 1997 to 1999. On November 16, 2025, Bonner was inducted into the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) Hall of Fame as an athlete from Concord High School, recognized for his exceptional high school achievements, NBA success, and broader impact on New Hampshire basketball through coaching clinics and community initiatives via his Rock On Foundation, co-founded with his brother Luke in 2013 to promote youth arts and athletics. The induction ceremony, held at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, drew tributes from former teammates and coaches, with Bonner reflecting on the event's significance in a post-ceremony statement, noting it as a "full-circle moment" that underscores the value of New Hampshire roots in his professional journey. The honor prompted the NBA to adjust its broadcast schedule for a Spurs-Grizzlies game, allowing Bonner to attend without conflict.

Post-Playing Activities

Broadcasting Roles

Following his retirement from the NBA in 2017, Matt Bonner transitioned into as a studio analyst for the ' television broadcasts on Southwest, debuting on January 10, 2017, during a home game against the . He continued in this role for the subsequent seasons, providing pregame, halftime, and postgame analysis that drew on his decade-long tenure with the team, until September 2024. In 2024, Bonner returned to , where he had played for two seasons early in his career, to take on a full-time role with as a game analyst for broadcasts starting in the 2024–25 season; he had made occasional cameos the prior year. He also co-hosts the daily The Raptors Show on 590 The FAN alongside Blake Murphy, which debuted on October 15, 2024, and airs weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET, offering in-depth discussions on Raptors games and NBA topics. By the 2025–26 season, Bonner remained a key studio analyst for Raptors coverage, including pregame and postgame segments hosted by Brad Fay alongside . Beyond team-specific roles, Bonner has made guest appearances on national platforms, including SiriusXM NBA Radio, where he has provided commentary on Spurs and league-wide developments, such as labeling forward as San Antonio's "X-factor" for the 2025–26 season. He has also contributed to s, serving as a guest on shows like Smith & Jones to reflect on his playing days and current NBA trends. Bonner's commentary style blends humor—rooted in his self-deprecating from his playing career—with analytical insights, particularly evident in his coverage of matchups between his former teams, the Spurs and Raptors. As of November 2025, he continues these full-time commitments, including postseason broadcasts if the Raptors qualify.

Philanthropy and Community Work

Matt Bonner co-founded the Rock On Foundation in 2013 with his brother Luke, establishing it as a 501(c)(3) dedicated to enhancing artistic and athletic opportunities for youth in communities including , , and . The initiative stemmed from Bonner's desire to increase his community involvement, which began around 2007 during his NBA career, and has been influenced by his academic background in from the . Post-retirement in 2017, Bonner expanded his efforts through the foundation, continuing to organize events such as benefit concerts like the annual Rock On Fest and Sneakers and Speakers, alongside charity basketball games and youth clinics. Key programs under the Rock On Foundation include grants for renovating public courts and providing financial aid to underprivileged youth pursuing arts or athletics, with activities such as assembling care packages for participants and hosting design contests to engage young creatives. Bonner has also hosted annual camps, including sessions in during his playing days with the Spurs and ongoing programs in , where he and his brother coach fundamentals to local youth. These camps emphasize skill development and life lessons, drawing from Bonner's experiences as a two-time NBA champion. The foundation has partnered with NBA-affiliated efforts, including Spurs Rock On Night games that raise funds for its programs, and Bonner has collaborated on NBA Cares initiatives such as donating computers to school libraries and conducting basketball clinics for underprivileged children in the and New York. As an inductee in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame—where he first developed his passion for —Bonner regularly speaks at schools and youth events on topics like perseverance and , including a 2025 presentation to the community in encouraging students to follow their passions. His siblings, including co-founder , contribute to the foundation's operations, reflecting family-wide commitment to community impact.

Personal Life

Family and Interests

Matt Bonner married Nadia Bonner (née Kullo) on August 1, 2008, in an outdoor ceremony at Sunnybrook Estates in , . The couple, who met through mutual friends while Bonner played for the , welcomed their first child, daughter Evangeline-Vesper Lynne Bonner, on June 21, 2009, followed by son August Bonner on August 27, 2012, and a second daughter on July 31, 2018. The Bonner family has maintained close ties to both , where Matt spent much of his NBA career, and , his early professional home and his wife's hometown, often relocating seasonally or splitting time between the cities to balance professional commitments with family life. Bonner has been actively involved in his children's activities, coaching and emphasizing , including teaching his daughter basic investing principles through hands-on stock selection exercises. Beyond family, Bonner is passionate about culinary pursuits, particularly sandwiches, for which he has earned the moniker "Sandwich Hunter" through his enthusiastic reviews and quests for the best varieties across cities like and Halifax. He describes himself as a "sandwich guru," having sampled countless options and even grading them methodically during outings. Additionally, Bonner developed a strong interest in during his Raptors tenure, becoming an avid enthusiast who follows the sport closely and has participated in introductory sessions with professional curlers. Bonner's nicknames reflect his personality and career highlights: "Red Rocket," earned in for his , long-range shooting, and frequent rides on the city's red streetcars; and "Red Mamba," coined by in 2013 via during a replay of Bryant's 81-point game against the Raptors, as a nod to Bonner's sharpshooting prowess. In his personal life, Bonner advocates for work-life balance, prioritizing time for cooking family meals and reading, which he credits with maintaining harmony amid his demanding schedule.

Legacy and Public Persona

Matt Bonner's legacy in the NBA is emblematic of role-player excellence, having transitioned from a second-round draft pick to a key contributor on two championship teams in 2007 and 2014. His journey, which included stints overseas before establishing himself as a reliable with the and Spurs, highlights the value of perseverance and system fit in a league favoring stars. Bonner's career three-point shooting efficiency, peaking at 45.7% in the 2010-11 season, underscored his impact as a stretch big man, influencing subsequent red-haired shooters like Davis Bertans, to whom Bonner symbolically passed the "redhead torch" upon retiring. Bonner's public persona endeared him to fans through a humble, witty demeanor cultivated via interviews and , where he embraced quirks like his love for sandwiches and . The "Red Rocket" nickname, inspired by his and long-range prowess—later upgraded to "Red Mamba" by —fostered a vibrant fan culture, including memes and highlights celebrating his understated style and rare dunks. This affable image, blending self-deprecating humor with professional poise, positioned him as a relatable figure amid the NBA's intensity. Beyond , Bonner's broader impact resonates in , where he serves as a lifelong ambassador for local athletics, frequently returning to mentor youth and support community programs through initiatives like the Rock On Foundation, co-founded with his brother to promote arts and sports access. His 2025 induction into the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) Hall of Fame caps this legacy, honoring his high school achievements at Concord High School and ongoing inspiration for Granite State youth. In media, Bonner's evolution from player to analyst has shaped coverage of the Spurs and Raptors, beginning with his role as a Spurs studio analyst post-retirement in 2016 and extending to his 2024 move to co-host "The Raptors Show" on FAN 590, where he provides championship-honed insights alongside Blake Murphy. This transition leverages his 12-year playing tenure—spanning both franchises—to offer nuanced analysis on team dynamics and shooting mechanics, influencing modern broadcast discussions on role players. As of 2025, his established presence in broadcasting suggests continued growth in NBA media circles.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bonnema01.html
  2. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/1996/matt-bonner
  3. https://www.nba.com/player/2588/matt-bonner
  4. https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nba/spurs/spur-life-matt-bonner-moving-from-spurs-cover-the-raptors-nba-san-antonio-spurs/273-a9916a5b-279d-47a1-9007-7a78e0d55c4f
  5. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5789105/2024/09/24/raptors-matt-bonner-sportsnet-590-2024-season/
  6. https://www.wmur.com/article/two-time-nba-champion-matt-bonner-among-2025-nhiaa-hall-of-fame-inductees/69451043
  7. https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/birth-cities/323/Concord-NH-United-States
  8. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/bonner-living-proof-that-home-is-where-the-heart-is/article4121408/
  9. https://www.concordmonitor.com/2020/02/18/this-time-the-sister-bonner-is-making-news-32668407/
  10. https://www.bgca.org/about-us/alumni-hall-of-fame/matt-bonner/
  11. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2751025-you-can-be-a-pioneer-meet-the-women-ready-to-revolutionize-the-nba
  12. https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/sports/2000/03/28/concord-s-bonner-family-enjoys/51309894007/
  13. https://www.concordmonitor.com/2025/11/04/concord-basketball-legend-bonner/
  14. https://floridagators.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/matt-bonner/5968
  15. https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2003/03/08/bonner-is-one-of-a-kind/31630554007/
  16. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/matt-bonner-1.html
  17. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/matt-bonner-1/gamelog/2000
  18. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/florida/men/2000.html
  19. https://floridagators.com/documents/download/2005/4/15/30-32.pdf
  20. https://www.secsports.com/academic-allamerica-of-the-year
  21. https://floridagators.com/news/2001/3/6/2626
  22. https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/gators/mens-basketball/2020/08/05/all-time-gators-mens-basketball-bio-matt-bonner-1999-2003/78873958007/
  23. https://floridagators.com/news/2017/1/19/mens-basketball-bonner-named-to-2017-sec-legends-class.aspx
  24. https://www.unionleader.com/nh/people/matt-bonner/article_e5d5a3a9-17df-5ff9-80fe-719491e1661e.html
  25. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/for-spurs-veteran-bonner-life-after-nba-is-wide-open/1zqzrr69r6ad1egkzwsw2inhb
  26. https://www.shamsports.com/players/matt-bonner
  27. https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/teams/messina/2004.html
  28. http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?id=3222325
  29. https://basketball.fandom.com/wiki/Matt_Bonner
  30. https://www.proballers.com/basketball/team/459/messina/2003
  31. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/TOR/2005.html
  32. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10921545/san-antonio-spurs-matt-bonner-first-nba-player-land-sneaker-deal-via-twitter-espn-magazine
  33. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bonnema01/gamelog/2005
  34. https://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pressrelease_062106.html
  35. https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-set-to-bring-Bonner-back-to-the-silver-and-5619068.php
  36. https://www.poundingtherock.com/2022/9/12/23348159/spurs-50-for-50-number-16-matt-bonner
  37. https://www.landofbasketball.com/nba_players/matt_bonner.htm
  38. https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2007_per_game.html
  39. https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2010_per_game.html
  40. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/matt-bonner-career-high-in-points
  41. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/nba-players-three-point-percentage-leaders-2010-2011
  42. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/player/matt-bonner-340
  43. https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_2014_per_game.html
  44. https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/matt-bonner-announces-his-retirement-in-the-most-matt-bonner-way-possible/
  45. https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2011_leaders.html
  46. https://floridagators.com/news/2014/9/23/28774
  47. https://foxsanantonio.com/sports/former-spur-matt-bonner-to-be-inducted-into-boys-girls-clubs-alumni-hall-of-fame
  48. https://www.wmur.com/article/concord-matt-bonner-honored-wall-of-fame/65017394
  49. https://www.nhiaa.org/about-nhiaa/awards
  50. https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nba/spurs/nba-broadcast-change-spurs-grizzlies-matt-bonner-inducted-into-nhiaa-hall-of-fame-san-antonio/273-6d3de487-584f-49aa-8cc5-034e543600f7
  51. https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Bonner-will-join-Spurs-TV-crew-as-analyst-10840313.php
  52. https://www.nba.com/spurs/matt-bonner-joins-san-antonio-spurs-tv-broadcast
  53. https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/onsi/former-toronto-raptors-favorite-matt-bonner-joining-fan-590-radio
  54. https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/sportsnet-announces-2025-26-raptors-broadcast-schedule/
  55. https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nba/spurs/matt-bonner-devin-vassell-spurs-x-factor-george-gervin-san-antonio-bottle-signing-new-vodka-nba/273-75724c51-d139-4d50-b759-acaa793b8eb9
  56. https://podtail.com/en/podcast/smith-jones/
  57. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/13/sports/basketball/san-antonio-spurs-matt-bonner-broadcaster.html
  58. https://www.nba.com/spurs/features/140501_matt_bonner_rock_on_foundation
  59. https://rockonfoundation.org/
  60. https://www.nba.com/spurs/news/140313_matt_bonner_luke_bonner_rock_on_night
  61. https://www.unionleader.com/nh/arts_and_ent/bonner-brothers-turn-from-court-to-stage-for-rock-on-foundation-fundraiser/article_3d62a528-1236-5ac3-a875-b1096741428c.html
  62. https://rockonfoundation.org/grants/
  63. https://www.sanantoniomag.com/matt-bonner-searches-for-the-next-great-t-shirt-designer/
  64. https://www.nba.com/spurs/news/120418_bonner_camp
  65. https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/bonner-basketball-camp-concord
  66. https://www.nba.com/spurs/features/130613_rodriguez_nba_cares
  67. https://www.rappler.com/sports/38299-in-photos-matt-bonner-for-nba-cares/
  68. https://m.facebook.com/Spurs/photos/we-sat-down-with-matt-luke-bonner-for-a-qa-to-learn-more-about-tonights-spurs-ro/10151907847561981/
  69. https://www.instagram.com/p/DIRjUZqP6tK/
  70. https://todaysbride.ca/articles/nadia-kullo-matt-bonner/
  71. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1250333438318340&id=119239761427719&set=a.696612720357084
  72. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2789637/bio/
  73. https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nba/spurs/baby-mamba-matt-bonner-announces-birth-of-third-child/273-579428874
  74. https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/look-matt-bonner-wife-welcome-newborn-baby-girl
  75. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/02/ex-nbaer-matt-bonner-teaches-daughter-investing-tesla-is-killing-it.html
  76. https://www.unionleader.com/sports/for-bonners-its-all-about-home/article_83ec2c2f-e583-5331-99e6-8cdd300ec087.html
  77. https://www.nba.com/spurs/matt-bonner-sandwich-hunter-12/9/14
  78. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nba-donair-lobster-halifax-1.3292393
  79. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/31/matt-bonner-small-talk
  80. https://www.sportsnet.ca/curling/matt-bonners-tenure-raptors-led-curling-fandom/
  81. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/886185-25-greatest-nicknames-in-the-nba
  82. https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/spurs-zone/matt-bonner-reflects-on-how-kobe-bryant-dubbed-him-red-mamba
  83. https://www.sacurrent.com/food-drink/what-i-learned-from-following-matt-bonner-on-twitter-3650110/
  84. https://www.si.com/nba/raptors/former-toronto-raptors-favorite-matt-bonner-joining-fan-590-radio
  85. https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Matt-Bonner-passes-redhead-torch-Davis-Bertans-10845684.php
  86. https://sports.yahoo.com/101-greatest-nicknames-nba-history-100502902.html
  87. https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/matt-bonner-on-the-red-mamba-nickname
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.