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Portland Trail Blazers: 5 options for pick No. 25 in 2019 NBA Draft

By Ty Delbridge

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 20: Chuma Okeke #5 of the Auburn Tigers celebrtes a shot during a second round game of Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2018 in Lahaina Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 20: Chuma Okeke #5 of the Auburn Tigers celebrtes a shot during a second round game of Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2018 in Lahaina Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

5. Matisse Thybulle

Age: 22
Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward
Height: 6’5”/7’0” wingspan
Weight: 200 pounds
Main selling points: Defense

In the 2019 NBA Draft, Matisse Thybulle is one of the more intriguing prospects. Last year for Washington, he averaged 9.1 points, 3.5 steals, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting 30.5 percent from the 3-point line and 85.1 percent from the free throw line. Thybulle finished the year with 126 total steals, 83 total blocks and was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the year.

He is arguably the best defensive player in the entire draft class and has excellent physical tools, fantastic athleticism, great anticipation and plays hard. Thybulle’s offense is still a thing of work, but he cuts well, makes good passes, has decent finishing around the rim, and his jump shot is good enough to knock down spot-up 3-pointers. His steal and block numbers are ridiculous for a guard, and his stable free throw shooting gives hope for him developing into a better all-around shooter.

Along with his skill on offense, there are questions about how Thybulle’s defensive will translate to the NBA because most of his success came playing a free safety role in the 2-3 zone. However, his length, quickness and basketball IQ should allow him to impact the game still while playing more man-to-man in the league.

Portland could be losing wings Jake Layman and Rodney Hood this summer, and Evan Turner and Maurice Harkless next year. This team needs more defensive-minded guys and Thybulle could fit in right away, playing both shooting guard and small forward. He does not need the ball to impact the game and does all the little things to help his team win.

If he can hit open shots at a consistent rate and plays smart defense, Thybulle has a chance to become an elite 3-and-D player. If he can put it all together, he could be like a Bruce Bowen or a better Andre Roberson type of player.  If Thybulle is available at No. 25, the Blazers should not hesitate to make him the pick.

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