Philadelphia 76ers: 5 takeaways from 2020-21 preseason

The Philadelphia 76ers went 2-0 in the preseason. What did we learn?

A short but successful preseason has stoked anticipation for an important Philadelphia 76ers season. After getting swept out of the Bubble in embarrassing fashion, the Sixers underwent significant changes in management and personnel. It’s a new era — potentially a more fruitful era.

While the preseason is no place for grand proclamations or sweeping generalizations, the Sixers did show us a fair amount of promise (as well as a few noteworthy weak points).

In wins over the Celtics and Pacers, we got out first taste of the new roster and of Doc Rivers’ coaching strategy. Here’s what we learned.

Sixers preseason takeaway #5: Matisse in the doghouse?

Again, it’s normally unwise to read too far into preseason games and preseason minutes. That said, Thybulle — who was essentially the Sixers’ top reserve last season — was Rivers’ 10th man against Boston, then got demoted to 11th man against Indiana. There’s a non-zero chance Thybulle is out of the rotation to start the season.

Thybulle never got much going in these games, though that isn’t of much importance. What is important is reevaluating his situation. Thybulle was a Brett Brown favorite, but he’s an erratic decision-maker and limited offensive threat who might not have the same support under Rivers.

Also going against Thybulle is the ankle injury which kept him out of training camp early. The Sixers have therefore brought him along slowly, whereas Mike Scott and Tyrese Maxey — despite late starts themselves — have clearly made strong first impressions. Thybulle is facing an uphill battle to reassert his prominence in the rotation.

There is, however, room for optimism. After Friday’s win over Indiana, Rivers had this to say about Thybulle’s situation.

Rivers has already stated he has four of his five reserves locked in mentally. The assumption of late has been Thybulle and Maxey are fighting for the fifth and final spot. If Rivers’ statement is to be taken seriously, however, perhaps Thybulle returns to a more significant role when the regular season starts. So, again, don’t read too far into preseason basketball.