3 Sixers with most to gain from Ben Simmons trade: Matisse Thybulle
Thybulle’s defensive instincts are perhaps the best on the planet, and on a regular team, he’d have plenty of opportunities to showcase them despite his offensive limitations. However, Philadelphia has had a player occupying the “elite defense, questionable offense” spot throughout Thybulle’s tenure; once Ben Simmons is gone, though, that role immediately becomes available.
Thybulle played a limited role last season, seeing just 20 minutes of playing time per game. However, he tended to make the most of those minutes, especially defensively; he averaged a ridiculous 2.9 steals and 2.0 blocks per 36 minutes. Given more playing time, he could become a perennial All-Defensive team candidate.
More minutes and more offensive responsibility could also accelerate Thybulle’s development on the other end of the floor. Since he joined a contender, Thybulle never really had much room to find his footing offensively — he’s spent the last two seasons relegated to a spot-up shooter role, occasionally cutting for a surprisingly athletic dunk.
There’s a chance that removing Simmons’s playmaking as a crutch will force Thybulle to improve his game off the dribble. Even just an ability to attack closeouts with straight-line drives and make the most basic passing reads could make Thybulle replacement level on the offensive end — and if the jumper ever does come around, he’ll be an elite two-way stud.
Removing Simmons from the equation makes Thybulle the team’s best defensive stopper and leaves him with more responsibility on both ends of the court. As Matisse enters his third season, the opportunity that increased role will provide for his development could pay off in a big way for the Sixers.