For Whom the (Promising) Bell Tolls: Part II
The 2019 NBA Free Agency period is unofficially over at this point, and Las Vegas Summer League season is in full swing! Since the Sixers’ starting 5 for the upcoming season is presumably set in stone, summer league provides us fans an opportunity to see which young players are truly making their case for some meaningful minutes off the bench come opening night.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some top performers through the first two games.
Zhaire Smith
This guy has overcome a lot to get to where he is now, and his hard work has clearly paid dividends through the first two games. His athleticism is just off the charts, evident through his collection of highlight-reel caliber dunks amassed in less than 50 total minutes. Although his natural athletic ability finishing at the rim may be his calling card, Zhaire has shown he’s not just a one trick pony. Thus far, he’s averaged 3.5 APG, 3.0 RPG, and 1.0 SPG while shooting 53% from the field. However, what we Sixers fans should really be excited about is his 2-5 line beyond arc last game against the Celtics. Zhaire already has “disruptive spark plug off the bench” written all over him, but if he can consistently make a three or two per game the entire bench unit could unlock another dimension. In the modern NBA, particularly with our Sixers, we all know how important it is to have shooting on the floor at all times.
Matisse Thybulle
After trading up to 20 to pick him, I think it’s safe to say Sixers fans have high expectations for Matisse. Through 2 summer league starts, he’s certainly answered the bell in my eyes. Carrying the label of one of if not the best defensive wing from this past draft, Thybulle has certainly shown why. His impressive range and movement around the perimeter has generated 4 steals and 2 blocks through 52 minutes. Also, after going just 1-4 beyond the arc against the Bucks, Matisse drained 4 of his 9 3pt attempts Saturday against the Celtics. As with Zhaire, Matisse has given us a lot to be excited for through only two showings, and all that’s really left to be desired between the two are a couple turnover-free outings.
Marial Shayok
Thank the Lord we signed our 2nd round pick to a two-way contract. He has already drawn comparisons to that guy who now wears #7 in Brooklyn, from a contingent of Sixers fans(myself included). All jokes aside, Shayok has surprisingly showcased a very solid jumper. Maybe Ben could learn a thing or two from the Shayok School of Shooting. Exactly like Matisse, Marial has shot 5-13 (38%) beyond the arc, but his overall efficiency given the volume has been most impressive. Shayok has made 13 of his 25 field goals, averaging 16.5 PPG in only 22 minutes per game. It’s obviously unlikely his numbers hold up like this by the time Vegas is over, but through just two games his play has clearly warranted that two-way deal.
The Sixers hit the hardwood again in Game 3 of their Vegas Summer League stint today at 3pm against the Thunder on ESPNU. It’ll be interesting to see who puts together a big game of their own(I’m looking at you at Shake Milton).
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