Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking every player on the roster (April 2020)
7. Matisse Thybulle
PRESEASON RANKING: 10
Have you ever found a $20 bill in your pocket? A laundry mishap turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Well, Matisse Thybulle is that unexpected find from the 2019 NBA Draft. Where do we start with this rookie gem? How about on defense? There is a reason why he was a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Matisse Thybulle’s name has garnered much respect around the league from players, coaches, and NBA commentators. Thybulle’s uncanny instincts when prowling the passing lanes or straight-up digging in on man-to-man defense has been his claim to fame so far. His 7-foot wingspan, to go with his 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame, makes him a nightmare for guards and small forwards on the court. His agility is as impressive as his hand quickness. All of these extraordinary features in his physical frame and ball-hawk tendencies have produced plenty of comparisons.
In the summer of 2019, one draft report pointed out similarities in his game to Raja Bell. Since Thybulle has generated an impressive NBA reel of defensive highlights, he is now getting comparisons to Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Pippen. Not bad for the rookie out of Washington, who, ironically, once played alongside Markelle Fultz.
Thybulle’s offensive feel for the NBA game has yet to catch up to his imposing defensive impact. That will come with time. With more playing time and guidance from his coaches and teammates, Thybulle’s shooting, dribbling, and passing skills will improve. More importantly, his name will be mentioned each year in the Defensive Player of the Year award discussions. Within the next three years, he won’t be like that $20 bill you find in your pocket. He will be more like a Franklin.