With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching (February 9, 2023) the Sixers are in position to make some adjustments to the roster.
Currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia has one of the most dominant lineups in the league.
However, the organization will be forced to make some crucial financial decisions this off-season due to their expensive roster.
One name who continues to circulate in trade rumors is Matisse Thybulle. Surprise, surprise!
Truthfully it seems like Thybulle’s name has always been attached to trade scenarios since he was drafted in 2019.
Year after year his name ends up in these conversations, but the Sixers have not shipped off their defensive stud.
Thybulle has been named to the NBA-All Defensive Second Team (2021 & 2022) and has been a crucial piece for the Sixers defensive success.
Unfortunately, his offensive struggles have made it difficult for him to earn minutes in a rotation that features the newest additions of De’Anthony Melton and P.J. Tucker.
The acquisition of Melton was crucial in adding a versatile counterpart for James Harden.
If one thing is for certain, De’Anthony Melton is the better offensive player and Matisse Thybulle is the better defensive player. But Melton has made a case to be on par with Thybulle as a defender, hence the trade rumors circulating again.
Last season, Melton finished second in steal percentage (3.0). And to no surprise, Thybulle was in first place.
Melton is listed as 6’2”, but his 6’8” wingspan allows him to match up well against opposing players on the perimeter.
Additionally, he has a knack for three-pointers, so if Harden is forced to dish the ball out it will be a perfect opportunity for Melton to nail shots behind the arc.
All in all, Daryl Morey did a fantastic job addressing a lack of depth at the guard position, but now the question remains if he will ship off a Sixers fan-favorite player prior to the deadline next Thursday.
