The Philadelphia 76ers rumors this offseason have not been filled with the typical star power that they’ve normally had. Instead, they’ve been leaning more towards the role players and depth pieces to help fill up the roster. The latest rumor is one that will split the fanbase. A former fan-favorite could be an option on a vet minimum contract.
Matisse Thybulle was drafted out of Washington with the 20th pick in 2019. He was praised for his defense out of college, and Sixers fans quickly saw why. He became one of their best defensive players and made his way onto two all-defensive teams.
Thybulle did come with his flaws, however. His poor shooting was difficult to overcome, especially in the postseason. Teams were sagging off of him and forcing him to make his shots, which he failed to do. Another negative factor in Thybulle’s game was the fouls. He was constantly in foul trouble, something you can’t have for someone in the starting lineup for their defense. In total, he averaged 4.4 points a night on .32% from three across four seasons in Philly.
Thybulle was traded to the Portland Trailblazers during the 2022-23 season. This move signified a major change in his career, one that would come to benefit him greatly.
Thybulle was given a larger role and faced much less pressure in Portland. With this opportunity, he showed great progression. In 132 games played for the Trailblazers, his 3P% climbed up to .37%. That’s a mark that would be easily acceptable in Philadelphia.
The 132 games played note is the concerning part about his Portland tenure, and is the reason he is in the conversation to only get a minimum contract. He has faced a ton of injury battles during his four years away from the Sixers.
The 76ers should bring Thybulle back for multiple reasons. The first being obvious, his defense. The risky steals and intense pressure he likes to apply in the exact type of defense that Sixers HC Nick Nurse loves. He could earn minutes as the backup SG or be a defensive replacement when needed.
Thybulle should also return for the no-risk factor of the deal he would be signing. There is nothing bad that can come from this for the 76ers. Either he outperforms the contract and revives his fan-favorite status in Philadelphia, or you cut ties with no harm done.
The 76ers bringing back Thybulle would be awesome. He wouldn’t command much money, likely only a minimum contract, and would absolutely outperform that price. This is a move Philadelphia should absolutely make as they fill out the bottom of the roster.
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