By Mark Gallagher
Sixers rookie swingman Matisse Thybulle is the best defender from the 2019 NBA Draft class.
So says other rookies who were polled by NBA.com:
Thybulle was the 20th overall pick in this year’s draft by the Boston Celtics. Boston traded the youngster to the Sixers for Carsen Edwards and Ty Jerome.
Via NBA.com:
Which rookie is the best defender?
1. Matisse Thybulle, SIXERS— 37%
2. De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta — 29%
3. Brandon Clarke, Memphis — 8%
Jaxson Hayes, New Orleans — 8%
Nassir Little, Portland — 8%Others receiving votes: Bol Bol, Denver; Jarrett Culver, Minnesota; Bruno Fernando, Atlanta; Coby White, Chicago
Last season at the University of Washington, averaged 9.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 3.5 steals and 2.3 blocks in 36 games. He shot 41.5 percent from the field, 30.5 percent from beyond the arc and 85.1 percent from the free-throw line.
The Sixers already have four elite defenders in Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Josh Richardson and Al Horford. If Matisse Thybulle can become the team’s fifth stout defender, the Sixers are going to be a force on the defensive side of the ball next season.
