The Matisse Thybulle Conundrum
After failing to advance to the second round of the playoffs, the Sixers are facing yet another offseason with lots of impending roster turnover.
The biggest problem the Sixers have on their hands this offseason is what to do with Al Horford, last offseason’s big-name free agent signing turned repetitive headache for Sixers fans everywhere.
Unfortunately, as the Sixers look to rid themselves of the disappointing Horford, the young and promising Matisse Thybulle may have to be shipped away in the process.
When the Sixers pried away Al Horford from the Boston Celtics last offseason in the form of a four-year, $97 million contract. The majority of Sixers fans were ecstatic with this deal, as the Sixers not only added a five-time All-Star to their roster but also rid the Celtics of one of their best players and someone who always seemed to fare well against the Sixers in the playoffs. Also, Horford offered a sufficient replacement for the recent loss of Jimmy Butler, who had demanded and orchestrated a trade to the Miami Heat. The Horford signing seems to be just one of the many mistakes made by the Sixers front office last offseason, however, we do know they found a gem in their first-round pick Matisse Thybulle.
The Sixers traded up to the 20th pick in the 2019 NBA draft to select the guard out of Washington, giving up their 24th and 33rd pick in the process. The Sixers were more than willing to pay that price to acquire Thybulle, the defensive standout who had earned the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and the Lefty Driesell Award. Now a year later, Thybulle looks to be the Sixers’ best draft selection since they took Ben Simmons 1st overall in the 2016 draft. Thybulle proved the Sixers right, becoming one of the games best wing defenders by totaling 47 blocks and 94 steals though only playing under an average of 20 minutes a game.
Now faced with the problem of having a disappointing Horford on the roster eating much of their salary space, it seems the only way they can get another team to carry this burden for them is if they gift them the talented Thybulle as well.
If such a deal were to suffice, look at teams such as the Kings and Knicks to take on the veteran burden in hopes to attain the promising young defender in an effort to bolster their young core.
Expect the Sixers, however, to try their hardest to keep Thybulle and find some other way to send Horford packing.
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