8P9S NBA Mock Draft 1.0: With the 26th pick, the Indiana Pacers select…
By Ben Gibson
No. 23 — Philadelphia 76ers: Matisse Thybulle, SG
School: Washington | Class: Senior | Height: 6’5” | Weight: 205 | Age: 21
There has been some consternation about Thybulle’s true defensive ability as his numbers are bolstered by the zone he plays in. Still, Thybulle is posting historic block and steal numbers. It would be foolish to suggest his defense is a farce as his hands and feet are elite and his reflexes are cat-like.
And many NBA off-ball concepts on defense are zone concepts, not to mention some teams are starting to play zone. Thybulle is one of the three best defenders in this class (only behind Zion Williamson and Brandon Clarke, for me). His offense is concerning but as long as he can shoot a spot three he will be fine on offense.
The Sixers will take all of the defenders it can, as Thybulle could potentially see himself in a similar role as Robert Covington once played in Philadelphia.
Having Thybulle reach his outcome of a monster 3-D wing could make one of their more expensive assets expendable, making room for more cap space and putting more shooters next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. — Ben Pfeifer