The Sacramento Kings have their eyes set on Matisse Thybulle. Sources told league insider Marc Stein that the Kings are “monitoring the availability” of the Philadelphia 76ers wingman, as they are seeking an additional defensive cog at the perimeter.
“Sacramento is said to be monitoring the availability of Philadelphia’s Matisse Thybulle as the Kings, unexpectedly holding the West’s No. 3 seed after a league-record 16 consecutive seasons out of the playoffs, ponder the pursuit of a more defensive-minded option on the perimeter.”
Sacramento, who surprisingly blazed its way atop the Western Conference upper echelon with a 28-21 record, imposes top-notch offensive firepower. They are currently boasting the league’s best points per game average (119.5), while ranked second in offensive rating (117.9) and sitting third in field goal shooting efficiency (49.3%).
But amid these skyrocketing numbers, they need such improvement on the other side. They are only placed at the 20th of team rankings in defensive rating (114.9) while being lowly in steals average at 21st (6.8) and blocks per contest that is second to last (3.3).
Having Thybulle, who is a renowned defensive pest at the perimeter, may do wonders for the Kings as they seek much intensity and elevation of these defensive numbers under head coach Mike Brown – a notable defense-first mentor. The two-time All-Defensive Second Team member can cover their weakness in the defense department as they are slated to potentially snap their 16-year postseason drought, enter the grinding playoff stage and face daunting offensive opposition in the West bracket.
Thybulle’s statistics have dipped this season with the Sixers, as he tallies a career-low 12.1 minutes average in 45 games played. As such, he is a valid candidate to be looked at on the side of Philly ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline, with him set to enter restricted free agency next offseason.
