NBA Draft: Grading the Philadelphia 76ers’ last 10 first rounds

2019

The moves: Traded for Matisse Thybulle

Matisse Thybulle

First, we’re taking a trip to last year’s NBA Draft, when the Philadelphia 76ers traded for the 20th overall pick Matisse Thybulle. The Sixers ended up trading the 24th and 33rd picks, which ended up being Ty Jerome and Carsen Edwards, respectively.

Thybulle came into the NBA as the top defender in the draft. Many compared him to the likes of Danny Green, providing the prototypical “3-and-D” style of play. Right off the bat, Thybulle showed much promise.

One of the areas where Thybulle has impressed the most was his stealing ability. This year, Thybulle has averaged 1.4 steals per game. He also leads all rookies with 80 total steals. He is also fifth in total blocks for rookies with 40. On top of that, Thybulle boasts a 3.0 defensive box plus/minus. Clearly, there is potential for Matisse to unleash an All-Defensive Team level season or two in the years to come.

This season, Thybulle is averaging 4.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game on 35.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc. While those numbers aren’t great, they’re a sign of things to come. As long as his shot keeps on developing, Thybulle could find his way into the starting lineup.

As such, it’s a no-brainer that Thybulle could be a high-value pickup going forward. But, since the offense isn’t as far along as you’d hope he gets docked a smidge of a grade. However, Thybulle may end up becoming a starter for the Philadelphia 76ers when it’s all said and done. Sixers fans have a lot to look forward to with this young buck.

Grade: B+