76ers to exercise third-year option on Matisse Thybulle’s contract

It will come as a surprise to no one that the Sixers have exercised their third-year option on the former two time PAC 12 Defensive player of the Year, Matisse Thybulle. Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer was the first to drop the news. Thybulle was the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, selected by Sixers GM, Elton Brand and enjoyed a rookie season where he impressed by wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Lunging for steals, or tipping jump shots from behind that led to fast breaks the other way became staples of his defensive repertoire. Thybulle’s option for the 2021-2022 season is projected to be about $2.84m per Spotrac. Because the Sixers devote big money to players like Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris it’s especially important to have some helpful players who can contribute on both ends of the floor on bargain salaries.

In just his first NBA game about a year ago, he made life difficult for All-Star Kemba Walker, harassing him from all sides.

Thybulle was a bigger part of former Head Coach Brett Brown’s rotation. So far Doc Rivers has mostly played Thybulle in situational moments (subbing him in for a key stop) or in double-digit leads one way or the other. With Thybulle, who had an immensely popular Vlog in the Bubble last summer, the key will always be the consistency of his perimeter shot. If he can knock down open triples, he’ll carve out a role on a contending team. Keeping him in house not only enhances his trade value, it improves the Sixers outlook. It wasn’t a surprise they decided to pick up this option and keep a talented young player in house for another year.