Ranking the Sixers’ young core — 2. Matisse Thybulle
It’s too early to rank Jaden Springer ahead of Matisse Thybulle, so I will not do it. Just know, it’s in the back of my mind. Both are phenomenal players, but Springer has a path to relevancy on offense. Unless Thybulle can drastically improve his 3-point shot, he’s a big nothingburger. Even if he does improve the 3-point shot, he’s not exactly tearing defenses to shreds off the bounce.
The offensive woes aside, Thybulle is a reality-bending player who doesn’t really make sense when you watch him play. His reflexes are superhuman. The man belongs in a D.C. comic book somewhere with how quickly he moves. Thybulle will over-reach and look out of the play, only to turn around and block a 3-point shot. He’s never not a threat to at least impact somewhere’s offensive decision, whether that’s a shot attempt, a pass, or a dribble.
In just 20 minutes per game, Thybulle led the Sixers in total steals and total blocks last season. He made second team All-Defense, and had a real first team argument. He’s pound-for-pound one of the best defenders in the NBA. That offsets the total offensive incompetence to a certain degree.
The Sixers need Thybulle to find his 3-point stroke at some point. It’s hard to imagine his role exceeding what it currently is if he doesn’t figure out the jumper. Even so, there are worse things than 20 minutes of league-best defense every night. Thybulle doesn’t need much time to turn the tide of a game and leave the league’s best shot creators in shambles.