One of the great developments for the Philadelphia 76ers is the play of De’Anthony Melton in the 2022-23 season. Melton was acquired by the Sixers from the Memphis Grizzles for an injured Danny Green the 24th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Melton’s play has been so great, one of the subjects that have developed as a result is the future of Matisse Thybulle with the franchise. This time last season, Thybulle was a building block for the franchise, but now it can be argued that he he’s one of the best trade pieces that the club has heading into the trade deadline.
De’Anthony Melton’s play should make the Sixers put Thybulle on the trade block.
This season, Melton is averaging 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 steals, all of which are career highs. His 2.1 steals is currently second in the NBA this year. He’s also shooting 37.7 percent from the 3-point line which certainly helps the team’s stars James Harden and Joel Embiid.
Melton is arguably one of the better 3-and-D guards in the NBA. On the other hand, Thybulle has struggled this year. He has averaged career lows across the board and his defensive impact has been inconsistent. Part of the reason why is his lack of minutes, but also his struggling shooting.
That being said, he’s played better in the month of December as he’s averaged 42.9 percent from downtown versus just 30.6 percent on the season. That does help if the team wants to use him in trade talks.
Another thing to consider is that eventually Tyrese Maxey will return to the lineup and someone off the bench will lose minutes. Shake Milton’s proven he deserves minutes so the odd guard out would be Thybulle.
With Melton and Milton projected to come off the bench when the roster is healthy, there will be no minutes for Thybulle. He would have more value as a trade piece at that point. With the emergence of Melton, Thybulle has become expendable for the Sixers.