The Philadelphia 76ers are on a quest to win a title in the 2019-20 season. In order to do that. They will need contributions from just about everybody to make sure they’re in a position to win.
One player who deserves more playing time is rookie Matisse Thybulle. The Sixers first-round rookie was a fixture in coach Brett Brown’s rotation to begin the season when the team started 5-0, but when Ben Simmons missed two games with a shoulder injury, Thybulle played sparingly as Brown wanted to see what he had in Raul Neto and Trey Burke. When Simmons returned, Thybulle got his spot back in the rotation.
It should not have to be that way as he has earned a spot and should play every game. Here are three reasons why he should be in the rotation every night:
Impact
Thybulle is such a big defensive presence out on the floor for only being a rookie and his defensive rating is at a 97 to begin the season. He was leading the league in total steals before being pushed out of the rotation and he averages 3.4 steals and 2.4 blocks per 36 minutes. His ability to play the passing lanes and his anticipation for blocks is impressive for a kid so young. On top of that, when Thybulle plays at least 12 minutes in a game, the Sixers are 7-1.
Philly is 7-1 this season when Matisse Thybulle plays more than 12 minutes in a game #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) November 18, 2019
Development
When he was drafted, the Sixers wanted Thybulle to become the team’s next 3-and-D player. In order to achieve that goal, he needs to be out there and get real NBA minutes. His 3-point percentage is at 29.2% to begin the season on two attempts per game. That number can go up when given the reps and the minutes to continue to work on his game in a real NBA setting. He has that 3-and-D potential in his game, his defense is terrific, but he needs the court time to get better on the offensive end and get those reps to develop.
Team strategy
The Sixers are a team built to be dominant on the defensive end. Brown had been upset with the team’s defensive effort in road losses to the Orlando Magic and the Oklahoma City Thunder, but then praised it in the win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday where Thybulle played over 15 minutes. If the defense is such a big thing on the mind of the Sixers, why not play the guy who specializes in defense? Thybulle should be receiving 12-18 minutes every night. His offense hinders him a bit, but his defensive work is something to really behold. He’s a guy that should be in this rotation every night. [lawrence-related id=19457,19450,19443]