The Chicago Bulls will be in the market for a few things this offseason, not the least of which is perimeter defenders. And, according to Heavy’s Sean Deveney, general manager Marc Eversley already has his eyes on Philadelphia’s Matisse Thybulle.
It was at the behest of Eversley, then working as the team’s senior vice president of player personnel, that the Sixers acquired Thybulle three years ago. Thybulle has made a name for himself as a defensive menace ever since, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors last year. He’s well on his way to claiming a spot on one of two teams again this season after posting the third-highest defensive box plus/minus and best steal percentage in the Association.
Between sporting the eighth-leakiest defense in basketball, growing concerns over Lonzo Ball’s knee, and Alex Caruso’s full force style of play, the Bulls could certainly use of player with Thybulle’s skillset.
The problem—and part of the reason the Sixers could look to move on from the former 20th overall pick—is Thybulle doesn’t offer much on the other end of the court. His below-average three-point stroke dove to 28.6% during the playoffs. More startling and indicative of the work that lies ahead of Eversley and Arturas Karnisovas though; that mark would’ve been fifth-best on the Chicago Bulls this postseason.
With seemingly few avenues to bolster the roster that clinched the franchise’s first playoff berth in five years, however, beggars can’t be choosers. Plus, after being forced into 14-of-47 shooting and 12 turnovers across six matchups against Matisse Thybulle, Zach LaVine probably wouldn’t mind the breather. If (when?) he re-signs this summer, that is.
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