The Philadelphia 76ers could very well end up having a lot of open roster spots this offseason. As much as half of their roster could possibly hit the open market this summer, which means that the front office has the opportunity to pursue a roster turnover, even if only at the margins –– something this team actually needs to bolster their competitive bid for next season.
One of their emphases in free agency should be strengthening their team defense. This season, the 76ers ranked 17th in defensive rating, which hardly warrants acclaim in the grand scheme of things. This squad is in dire need of a defensive-minded, rotation-caliber piece who can make life easier for them on that end. To that effect, the front office could actually seek a reunion with a familiar face in Matisse Thybulle.
Thybulle, who spent 3.5 seasons with the 76ers, has kind of become a forgotten piece among fans and pundits alike. Playing in a small market like Portland tends to carry that effect, but his injury-related absences over the last couple of seasons are also to blame. Still, the Aussie wing remains one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA when healthy.
The 76ers could seek a reunion with Matisse Thybulle to reinforce their defense
Thybulle will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but given the fact that he has only suited up in 45 games over the last two seasons, his price tag will likely take a hit. He is nearly guaranteed to net less than his salary of around $11 million this season, which should make him an attractive, relatively low-cost target for teams in want of some augmentation on the defensive end.
In all honesty, there has not been a lot of improvements in Thybulle's game since the 76ers shipped him away a few seasons ago. While still a rugged defender who has an uncanny ability to block shots and jump into passing lanes, he remains a limited offensive player with a shaky three-point shot (being a career 34.9 percent shooter from beyond the arc).
Be that as it may, people should be reminded that the 76ers version of Thybulle is still more than adequate enough as a defensive menace. He made two All-Defensive Teams when he was still in Philly, and if he can drain triples at a league-average rate at the very least, that will make him a worthwhile signing.
The 76ers do not have much financial ammo to play with this offseason, but if they are gonna spend considerable bucks anyway, they might as well directly solve some of their biggest woes along the way. Matisse Thybulle, who is all too familiar with the franchise, should be able to fix their miscues when it comes to perimeter D.
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