This past NBA Trade Deadline has changed a lot of things for the Philadelphia 76ers rookies moving forward for the rest of the season.
The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t make any major deals at the NBA Trade Deadline. Despite the lack of major moves, the transactions they did make will influence the future of the team’s rookie. Out of the impacts made on the rookies based off these deals, only one can be considered a positive one.
20th pick, 2019
The acquisition of both Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III will have have a positive impact on the Sixers 3-point shooting. However, their arrivals won’t be so positive for Matisse Thybulle. Robinson is an above average defender and Burks isn’t a slouch on defense either. With Thybulle still struggling with offensive consistence, his minutes may be limited moving.
The good news is this past week, he didn’t struggle too much on offense. He averaged 4.7 points, went 2-5 on 3-pointers, tailed three steals total and recorded at least one block in the past three games. While his performances in these past three games were good, it won’t guarantee that he will still have his same role with the 76ers now that they have more shooters on the roster.
54th pick, 2019
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It finally happened! Marial Shayok made his NBA debut. In seven minutes he shot 1-3 from downtown, while collecting three points, one rebound and one turnover against the Milwaukee Bucks. He also played against the Memphis Grizzles, but fail to record any points on two shot attempts.
With the trade that Philly made, it gave Shayok a chance to come in and show what he could do. Sadly, he didn’t make a strong impression based on his stats. It will be interesting to see if he gets any more minutes once Robinson and Burks are incorporated into the rotation.
Undrafted
Despite not opening up a roster spot to sign Norvel Pelle to a regular NBA contract, the Sixers decided to waive second year power forward Jonah Bolden to make room to sign the rookie center to the roster. It will be interesting to see if Pelle can beat out Kyle O’Quinn for minutes moving forward now he’s on a regular contract.
Pelle played against the Grizzlies and had a solid game for the 76ers. He finished with five points, three rebounds, two blocks and four fouls. Like Bolden before him, foul trouble appears to be an issue for the rookie big man. However, he probably won’t be called upon to play big minutes, so it’s not a huge problem at the moment.
Thybulle had a solid week of production, Shayok finally made his Philadelphia 76ers debut and Pelle was awarded a NBA contract. Overall it was a good week for the team’s rookies, but their future may not be as bright moving forward.