OKC Thunder Draft Prospect Profile Matisse Thybulle: Are promises meant to be broken?

The OKC Thunder might have already spent their first round NBA Draft pick when seemingly promising Matisse Thybulle he will be their selection, but was that a smart move?

Just look at Matisse Thybulle. His game, him physically — look at him. He is the Sam Presti prototype. That is why many believe the report the OKC Thunder general manager promised to draft Thybulle if he falls to pick 21, the Thunder’s first and currently only selection in the June NBA Draft.

The 6’5 wing is seemingly a great Andre Roberson replacement. At this point, who knows if Andre Roberson will ever play basketball again and if I was a betting man I would bet if he does play again, he will be a shell of himself due to his gruesome injury and setbacks.

I hope I am wrong, despite his offensive woes, watching Roberson is extremely fun. But it does not seem likely that he will return to his elite level defense. If his defense falls off even a little bit in his return, his offensive game or lack thereof will render him meaningless.

That is where Matisse Thybulle comes in. Thybulle is one of the most polarizing prospects in OKC Thunder history, a portion of the fanbase loves the idea of Oklahoma City promising their pick away to a seemingly great defender with more of an offensive game in his bag than Andre Roberson.

Another portion of the fanbase throws their hands up and says “here we go again!” another long lengthy defending non-shooter who lacks an offensive presence is that really the answer this team needs? That formula has gotten them bounced in the first round each of the last three seasons.

Neither of these opinions is right or wrong, at least not yet, and as is the case with most hot button topics, the truth is often somewhere in the middle.

Specifics:

• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 200
• Wingspan: 7’0
• Position: Shooting Guard
• Age: 22
• College: Washington University
• Home Town: Issaquah, Washington