The Philadelphia 76ers traded Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers at the 2023 deadline, and Rip City Project expert Resse Kunz doesn’t expect him to return next season after realizing his impact diminishes in the playoffs. Sixers fans know the 6’5 wing is an elite defender, but his role shrinks in the biggest moments every year. He did not leave the bench in Game 4 against the Spurs. This was the Blazers' first playoff trip since 2021, but the result was the same.
Thybulle’s shooting has improved in Portland. He shot 32.5 percent from 3-point range with the Sixers to start his career. It has jumped to 37.4 percent with the Blazers. Thybulle has become a strong 3-and-D option, but injuries have been a problem. He has appeared in just 45 total regular-season games over the last two years.
The 29-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and Kunz doesn’t think he returns to the Blazers. Thybulle will be looking for a significant payday, and the Blazers want to improve their roster. Sixers fans should not be surprised after Daryl Morey dumped the 6’5 wing years ago to try to help Philly win.
Matisse Thybulle doesn’t impact winning in the playoffs
Morey has made some baffling decisions in his tenure leading the 76ers. Fans are still trying to figure out the Jared McCain trade, but that is just the latest nightmare. There was Doc Rivers, Ben Simmons, James Harden, Paul George, and even Joel Embiid messes. Fans disdain for Morey is earned.
Nobody is questioning trading away Thybulle, which should tell supporters across the league all they need to know. The 6’5 wing is a fine player, but he couldn’t get even 19 minutes a night in the playoffs. The Blazers qualified this year, and his playing time dropped to 13.3 minutes per game. Thybulle was two of 14 from the field and was a non-factor against the Spurs. Just like he was for the Sixers in the biggest moments.
Kunz was questioning whether Portland brings him back, but he reached the right conclusion. The Blazers had a breakout season and want to build on it. Deni Avdija is a star, but they must improve the roster around him. Letting Thybulle walk and adding a more reliable two-way option is a must.
The 76ers know this story. They traded Thybulle and a second-round pick for 24 games of Jalen McDaniels and two second-rounders. Fans didn’t love it in the moment, but Morey had no faith in the wing to stick on the floor in the playoffs. His offensive limitations outweighed his defensive impact. The Blazers instantly found out in their first trip to the playoffs with him.
The Philadelphia 76ers could have told the Portland Trail Blazers three years ago. They watched the Matisse Thybulle movie up close for three and a half years after drafting him in the first round. They knew all the problems. It took three years to get back to the playoffs, but Portland instantly found out for themselves.
Expect Thybulle to change teams this offseason. The Sixers will steer clear as they look to continue building out their roster. Stay tuned to see where the veteran wing ends up.
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