The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: Who’s in contention for 2020 NBA awards?

By Christopher Kline

Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Matisse Thybulle

IN CONTENTION FOR…

  • All-Rookie teams
  • All-Defense teams

Despite his egregious exclusion from the Rising Stars game, there’s a real chance Matisse Thybulle cracks first team All-Rookie. If not, he should easily scratch out a spot on the second team. He has contributed significantly to a competitive team, which is more than most top-end rookies can say.

Among players who have played over 500 minutes this season, Thybulle averaged the fourth most deflections per 36 minutes. More than anyone else on the roster, and a stat truly representative of the chaos he creates. At this best, Thybulle is the most disruptive defender in basketball — a frequenter of passing lanes and a frenetic on-ball presence.

Thybulle makes exceedingly good use of his 7-foot wingspan. He has had his fair share of ups and downs as a rookie, but when he’s locked in, Thybulle is one of the most impactful defenders in basketball. That should be enough for All-Rookie honors.

As for All-Defense, I’m sure Thybulle will get a handful of spare votes, if nothing more. He’s much more of a long shot in that category — 19.5 minutes per game simply isn’t enough time on the court — but even so, Thybulle has developed a reputation. Players, coaches, and pundits all respect him.