Sixers: Early prediction of the small forward depth chart

Sixers’ small forward depth chart: Matisse Thybulle — SECOND STRING

There’s a sentiment in some corners of the fanbase that it’s only a matter of time until Matisse Thybulle takes over Green’s role in the starting five. On paper, sure, that’s certainly ideal. He’s 24, a much better defender, and has serious leadership potential.

Unfortunately, I am skeptical of Thybulle’s breakthrough moment coming next season. The Sixers remain dead set on contending and Thybulle does not remotely approximate Green’s offensive value right now. That could change if Thybulle undergoes a major (successful) overhaul in his 3-point stroke, but as of now, Thybulle’s offensive possessions are futile more often than not.

Thybulle is a great athlete and should continue to develop as a screener and slasher, but until that 3-ball starts falling regularly, defenses are going to ignore him (and, by extension, focus more attention on Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and the Sixers’ core offensive engines). Even with Simmons out the door, Thybulle’s inability to space the floor will limit his playing time.

All that said, Thybulle did just make second team All-Defense in his second NBA season while playing 20.0 minutes per game. He’s a special talent on that side of the ball. He averaged 2.9 steals and 2.0 blocks per 36 minutes last season, totaling more steals than Ben Simmons and more blocks than Joel Embiid (!!!). If he were thrust into starter minutes, his defensive counting stats would no doubt be prolific.