The crossroads: Shooting could dictate Matisse Thybulle's future in Philadelphia
Could Thybulle help the Sixers' quest for an NBA championship this coming season?
Matisse Thybulle is suddenly facing a career crossroads.
Thybulle’s NBA skills are clear and obvious. He produces elite defense when focused, but the remainder of his skillset remains close to the level as when he was drafted in 2019. Throw in his vaccination choice and there has been collective grumbling out of Philadelphia over recent months. While Thybulle remains a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, he has been involved in trade talks since Ben Simmons caused carnage by wanting out.
The Sixers were able to keep Thybulle out of the Simmons-James Harden trade, but that hasn’t slowed a desire to shop their remaining Australian Boomer. Philadelphia has again explored the market for Thybulle this offseason and with no sign of a contract extension, his days in a Sixers uniform appear limited.
It’s a harsh reality for a fourth year player with multiple All-Defence honours. This Sixers team, led by a wheeling and dealing Daryl Morey has quickly become a revolving door around Joel Embiid and Harden. Morey is the most transparent of NBA executives when you look past his words, because his actions reveal a clear and obvious philosophy. All-NBA talent like Harden and Embiid remain the bedrock, while everyone else (aka the Matisse Thybulles of the world) will be expendable. Morey’s history indicates Thybulle will eventually get traded.
Thybulle’s jump shot is the largest, if not only, reason why his journey in Philadelphia is uncertain.
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