Heading into the 2019 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers were in a position where they needed somebody who could come in and help right away. They were a quadruple doink away from making the Eastern Conference Finals and felt like they needed somebody who could come in and help. So they focused on more mature prospects.
The Sixers held the 24th pick in the draft, but they traded up with the Boston Celtics to 20 and they selected Washington senior Matisse Thybulle. The pick has turned out to be a steal as he has fashioned himself a fine rookie season where he has become one of the better defenders in the league.
That type of production has earned him a higher spot on the draft board. In a 2019 re-draft done by Bleacher Report, Thybulle has moved up and was selected 11th by the Minnesota Timberwolves which left the Sixers keeping their pick at 24 and selecting Darius Bazley.
B/R on Bazely:
Bazley has yet to do anything in the NBA that’s more interesting than his journey to it, but his length, athleticism and potential as a versatile defender and transition finisher make him worth another first-round look.
Bazley has not had the same impact with the Oklahoma City Thunder like Thybulle has had with the Sixers, but he is an intriguing prospect. He just needs more time to develop while a guy like Thybulle was ready to step in right away and help the team succeed on the floor. [lawrence-related id=31229,31236,31222]