Sixers: Matisse Thybulle’s a jump shot away from being a starter

There’s one thing that Matisse Thybulle has been proving in the last several weeks and especially in the comeback win against the Sacramento Kings. It’s that he’s a top-10 perimeter defender in the NBA, despite his lack of consistent offensive output for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Against the Kings, De’Aaron Fox was having his way against the Sixers, then 76ers head coach Doc Rivers assigned Thybulle to defend Sacramento’s point guard and help ignite victory win. Thybulle closed out the game, but it hasn’t been a consistent lineup Rivers has used to close games despite the wing’s elite defense.

Sadly, Thybulle didn’t even attempt a shot in that game and on the season as a whole, he’s been a non-factor on offense. If Thybulle were to develop a consistent jump shot and overall offensive game, he would easily be a starter for this team and become one of the best 3-and-D players in the NBA.

Why a jump shot would make Thybulle a Sixers starter

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This season, Thybulle has averaged 3.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.9 blocks, 0.2 turnovers, and 2.0 turnovers in 17.0 minutes per game. Sadly, he’s a very poor shooter as he’s only converted 34.7 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from the 3-point line.

Thybulle’s steals and blocks averages have increased despite playing fewer minutes per game from his rookie year. However, his shooting percentages have dropped dramatically. Last year, he shot 42.3 percent from the floor and 35.7 percent from deep.

If Thybulle was shooting like he was when he was a rookie, Rivers would probably be using the wing as a clear cut sixth man. However, because of the shooting woes, Thybulle’s role is predicated on the flow of the game.

Thybulle’s defense is so impressive and he needs to get more minutes, however, his lack of floor spacing wouldn’t work with Simmons and Joel Embiid for long stretches of games. If he shot the ball even around what Danny Green‘s shooting this year, which is 36.9 percent from downtown, then he would easily challenge the veteran for his starting role.

If Thybulle adds a consistent jumper, then he would be able to play along side Embiid and Simmons without hurting the offense. The Philadelphia 76ers and Thybulle would be better off if he could become a better shooter. If he does, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be considered for a starting role moving forward.