Philadelphia 76ers: Top 5 most impactful players from 2019-20 season
By Uriah Young
Who has had the biggest impact on winning for the Philadelphia 76ers?
The Philadelphia 76ers have a roster full of stars and young, rising talent. Their play is what defines their contribution to the team’s success. Their impact on each game is what drives national conversation, viewership, and ticket sales. Let’s break down the top five most impactful 76ers from the 2019-2020 season.
5. MATISSE THYBULLE
His impact on the game is as unique as his name. Matisse Thybulle burst on the scene as a late first-round pick. Other than his college footage and summer league highlights, NBA opposing coaches had no clue how this rookie would impact the game. Once he got his shot, he didn’t waste any time.
We’ve seen how he can disrupt a team’s offense with his length and athleticism. His instincts take his game to another level. If you look at some of the players that he’s blanketed throughout the season, it is astounding how he’s wreaked havoc on their offensive game. From Kemba Walker to Buddy Hield to LeBron James, Thybulle asserted himself on the defensive end unlike most NBA veterans.
His deflection and steal rates as a rookie stand out and help us grasp an idea of what his identity can truly be. He is 4th in the league in deflections per 36 minutes with 4.1, and he leads all rookies in steals per 48 minutes with an unreal 3.5. A thief on defense, his reach is capable enough to pick a pocket with ease, or he’ll make a key block from behind. Both examples enable the Sixers to be aggressive on defense and produce more fastbreak opportunities that lead to easy baskets.
Once play resumes, Matisse Thybulle can cease Tik-Toking and start pickpocketing again. With each minute he logs in the future, his defensive impact will change opposing teams’ schemes and help lift the Philadelphia 76ers’ defensive rating to supreme heights.