The Philadelphia 76ers‘ season is, unfortunately, once again without a championship. The season featured many gut punches to both the team and the fan base, but there were also bright spots throughout the year. One player who perfectly represented both the bright spots of the season and the aforementioned gut punches was Matisse Thybulle. Thybulle didn’t end the season on a positive note, but he may have improved his stock as he was selected to the NBA’s All-Defense Second Team.
Thybulle finished the season averaging a career-high in steals (1.7 per game) which placed him seventh among the league leaders. The 76ers’ premier perimeter defender racked up 115 total, which was enough to rank him eighth in the NBA.
This is the second consecutive year — as it is the second in his three-year career — that Thybulle has been named to the NBA’s All-Defense Second Team. Since he came into the league, Matisse Thybulle has been known as a defender and once again, he’s been recognized for his ability on that end of the court. While many are still fixated on his offensive limitations — and it’s fair to mention — it’s clear that Thybulle’s defensive ability is clear and, more importantly, recognized around the league.
It’s unfortunate that this becomes the focus of Thybulle’s accomplishment, but rumors have already begun swirling about the possibility of a trade this offseason. With the Chicago Bulls already being linked to Thybulle, talks are likely going to continue heating up over the offseason. While teams are already likely set on whether or not they’re interested in the 76ers’ defensive specialist, the fact that Daryl Morey can point to this extra accolade can only help.
