The Sixers have started the week with a bang by picking up the team option on the contract of second-year player Matisse Thybulle. Here is everything you need to know.
NBA teams have until December 29th to make a decision on third-year and fourth-year options under the new-look schedule.
Thybulle was selected with the 20th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in 2019 and acquired by Philadelphia via trade. The move would prove to be an important one, with the wing defender going on to play in 65 games (14 starts), notching 4.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and lead all rookies in steals with an average of 1.4 per game. His 47 blocks also ranked fourth among all rookies, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Thybulle was been touted for his strong defense coming out of college and it transitioned seamlessly to the NBA, with his rookie season showing flashes of dominance. He rapidly became a fan favorite and actually became one of nine players in the NBA to post at least 93 steals and 47 blocks.
The timing is coincidental. After coming off the bench for a matter of seconds in the season opener, he has played 7 minutes and 8 minutes in the other two games so far this season, registering one point and one steal.
His dip in minutes is concerning, but not shocking. In the preseason game against the Celtics, Matisse played 10 minutes scoring 0 points on 0-1 shooting from the field and recorded 1 rebound and 0 assists.
In the matchup against the Pacers, he played 14 minutes registering 1 point, 2 assists, 1 rebound, and had 0 shot attempts from the field.
Doc Rivers was quick to shoot down the notion that Thybulle is out of the running for playing time, firmly stating that “Matisse will get his chance.”
With the third-year option now picked up, one can only assume that Rivers means what he says. At the very least, it buys the Sixers some stability and flexibility with his future, while also giving him room to grow and find his feet in a new system.
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
