So many rookies go through the wringer in their first NBA season. They have to make the adjustment of playing so many games compared to their college seasons and that is what Philadelphia 76ers rookie Matisse Thybulle is dealing with at the moment.
Thybulle has played in 46 games so far in his rookie season and has been playing basketball since essentially October 1 when training camp began and maybe even earlier than that. the most he played at the University of Washington was 36 in his senior season. It’s a grind that a lot of players go through and it affects them in different ways.
“I’ve already played like two college seasons already,” laughed Thybulle. “It’s a lot, but being prepared for every game and understanding what it is helps. In college, you know you have like one or two games a week so it’s like you’re focusing on one game. In the NBA, you better be ready every other day to perform and either correct the mistakes you made last night or build off the good things you did the day before.”
Some players hit the proverbial “rookie wall” where they begin to feel the grind of the season physically and really understand what needs to be done in order to get through it. Things like taking care of your body and things of that nature is what helps a player.
“We have a million people here to make sure that we feel good and we can play at the highest level possible,” continued the rookie. “I think the biggest toll is the mental aspect. Like that challenge of showing up game in and game out day after day.”
For Thybulle, it’s all about continuing to grow his NBA education. That means understanding a scouting report and understanding what a team likes to run every game. He says he has continued to grow in that area of his game.
“For me, it’s grown,” he said. “The first half of the season, I’ve never played against any of these guys, I don’t know the NBA schemes. There was a lot of learning and now I have a better feel for certain players or looks that teams throw out so I don’t have to focus on the same things I did before and focus on individuals a little bit more.”
Thybulle will now have one of his biggest challenges on Tuesday when Kawhi Leonard and his Los Angeles Clippers invade Wells Fargo Center at 7:00 p.m. EST. [lawrence-related id=25445,25465,25453]