Rumor is the OKC Thunder made a pre-draft promise to Matisse Thybulle. With shooting being a key area the team needs to add depth let’s hope these rumors are wrong.
Next week the NBA Draft Combine will take place in Chicago with the OKC Thunder brain trust and their 29 peer franchises in attendance. The NBA released a list of 66 players who were extended invitations to the event. One noticeably missing name on the list was Washington guard Matisse Thybulle.
As per Cole Zwicker‘s tweet below the reason may be tied to a pre-draft promise from Thunder General Manager, Sam Presti to select Thybulle with the team’s 21st draft pick.
If we were to create a prototype of the kind of player Sam Presti likes to draft then Thybulle could be the picture used for it. An excellent defender, great wingspan (7’1″), capable of guarding four positions and is super athletic. His defensive prowess led to him winning the 2019 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
Unfortunately, the equally common denominator of Thybulle also fits Presti’s penchant for picks who aren’t exactly offensive juggernauts. The Washington Huskie guard/forward averaged 9.1 points and 30.5 percent from the perimeter. If that last stat isn’t flashing on and off your page it should be! Moreover, a scan of his stat chart over the four seasons highlights a fairly significant 3-point shooting regression (and points).
| Season | GS | MP | FGA | FG% | 2PA | 2P% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 34 | 24.1 | 5.3 | .397 | 2.5 | .430 | 1.0 | 2.7 | .366 | 1.4 | .714 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 6.2 |
| 2016-17 | 31 | 29.9 | 8.4 | .448 | 4.2 | .492 | 1.7 | 4.2 | .405 | 1.4 | .841 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 10.5 |
| 2017-18 | 33 | 32.3 | 9.3 | .445 | 4.6 | .525 | 1.7 | 4.7 | .365 | 1.6 | .714 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 11.2 |
| 2018-19 | 36 | 31.1 | 7.5 | .415 | 3.3 | .555 | 1.3 | 4.2 | .305 | 1.9 | .851 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 2.2 | 9.1 |
| Career | 134 | 29.4 | 7.6 | .429 | 3.7 | .507 | 1.4 | 4.0 | .358 | 1.6 | .782 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 3.1 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 9.2 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/10/2019.
While a defensive talent like Thybulle should garner attention, there are equally concerning reasons for teams to pass on him unless they are loaded with offensive talent. Factor in, the Thunder salary situation and the absolute necessity of adding perimeter shooting as enough reason for red flags to go up.
Three consecutive first round playoff ousts aren’t palatable for a team with two superstars. And, while you can debate why the team lost there is no question a lack of perimeter shooting is a key concern which Presti absolutely has to address this offseason.
As for where Thybulle ranks on some of the main sites, the Ringer has him ranked 24th where the 76ers will pick and Bleacher Report has the Bucks selecting him 30th. Clearly, there are certain commonalities among pundits profiles of the prospects. But punctuating just how uncertain this process is the Ringer offers a comparison of his ability to Danny Green, Gary Harris, and Tony Allen.
If he translated into matching Green or Harris that would be wonderful but his perimeter shooting is more relatable to Allen who has a 28.2 career perimeter average. Not exactly something to jump up and down over.
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Although this draft is definitely not as deep as last season there are always diamonds in the rough if a team does their homework. For example, Grayson Allen was selected by Utah at 21 last season.
A prospect selected later was Landry Shamet at 26. Shamet shot 42.2 percent from deep this season and showcased other natural offensive tools.
That’s not to say there will be copious 3-point threats available this season. Rather, the concern of Presti adding a prospect who doesn’t seem to check that box.
Furthermore, the oddity of this selection is Andre Roberson is expected to return next season and the team continues to develop Terrance Ferguson.
Maybe Presti wants a backup or someone who could be groomed to take over for ARob. Or, if this rumor pans out perhaps it offers hints to Presti looking to make other sweeping changes via trade.
At the end of the day, rumors aren’t reality – just assumption or whispers of possibilities. We’ve yet to do a deeper dive (which is coming in our draft prospect profile series) so obviously, we’ll take a long hard look at Thybulle.
On an initial glance for as much as Thybulle projects to be prototypically Presti- like, it’s equally concerning he would once again add a player without shooting prowess.