CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers have some roster-improvement questions that can only be resolved from outside the organization. But, there have to be improvements from the players already on their roster for the franchise to accomplish its championship goal.
The biggest example is Matisse Thybulle. After three seasons, Thybulle is considered one of the top defenders in the league. His ability to wreak havoc all over the floor can disrupt the opposition’s game plans.
However, he has to improve on the offensive end. Thybulle revealed his goal of being a threat on the offensive end, and the team has confidence he can be.
“I think Matisse is someone who’s got an elite defensive component, and I think he’s looking at himself and saying, how can I improve and contribute in other ways?” said president Daryl Morey.
Morey discussed how tough it is to play one-dimensional players such as Thybulle in the playoffs. That presents a challenge for coach Doc Rivers when figuring out a rotation.
“Doc and I were talking about this: The players who are sort of extreme one-way type players, it’s challenging in the playoffs,” said Morey. “It’s challenging for the coaches; it’s challenging for the players. I think for Matisse, his mission, which he knows, is how can he improve in ways that makes him someone that can make more of an impact in the playoffs. I think he will in the future.”
Rivers, Morey and the Sixers remain patient and confident in Thybulle’s ability to improve on the offensive end.
“He’s working on it,” said Rivers. “I can tell you that. It is difficult. One-way players are better in the regular season than the playoffs. I think we all know that, but Matisse is putting in the time. We hired the right resources, as far as staffing, shooting coaches, and everybody, and more importantly, the right resource with Matisse is his work ethic. He’s putting in the work.”
If Thybulle can return with some type of offensive game, he immediately becomes an elite player.
“It’s gradual,” Rivers finished. “It’s called being patient and we are. I think it makes us more patient, because he works at. We would be less patient if we didn’t think he was working at it and the fact that he’s working at it. There were improvements. He became a better cutter this year. He ran the floor better this year, and the next step is to improve the shot. Which we’re working on every day, and that’s going to be his marching orders this summer.”
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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