PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT: Matisse Thybulle
Among the favorites to go 24th to Philadelphia, Matisse Thybulle has been connected to the Sixers for quite some time now. While there’s no concrete report of a promise, Thybulle skipped the combine and hasn’t held individual workouts. He’s expected to have a guarantee somewhere in the 20s.
The Sixers make a lot of sense. Thybulle is a senior who has put together several productive seasons at Washington. He’s older and ready to contribute, something the Sixers will value in a season committed to championship hunting.
As the foundation of Washington’s zone defense last season, Thybulle averaged 3.5 steals and 2.2 blocks per contest. At 6-foot-5, his 7-foot wingspan and athleticism allow him to play above his listed height, whether it’s soaring for weak-side blocks or slithering into passing lanes for deflections.
With a favorable outlook as an on-ball defender, Thybulle profiles as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2019 class. He can switch across the perimeter, while his I.Q. and timing are impeccable. He shoots a respectable three ball as well, which Philadelphia can appreciate.
What the experts are saying …
"“With strong instincts for forcing turnovers and athletic gifts that could make him immediately impactful on that side of the ball, Thybulle is a worthy option in this range. If a team can develop his catch-and-shoot game and help him become a passable offensive player, he feels like a no-brainer rotation guy at worst, and seems like a natural choice [at 24].”"
— Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated/The Crossover
"“Thybulle’s numbers are extraordinary, but his film is even more mouth-watering. You see a defender who rotates, races around screens, sticks to shooters like glue, and has the athleticism to slide laterally with go-to scorers. Thybulle has the potential to be a true stopper, and his intelligence translates to offense as well; he makes team-first decisions. The consistency of his jumper will determine his success.”"
"“After all, if Thybulle gets minutes, we’re talking about a potential league leader in both steals and steals per minute, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Chris Paul did it in 2011-12, with the steals per minute, at the level at which Thybulle plays, the more important indicator of overall defensive value. This is without even going granularly into why Thybulle projects to be great in most phases of defense, or even yet talking about blocks.”"