Initial assumptions the OKC Thunder made a draft night promise to Matisse Thybulle are now being debunked as incorrect.
About a week ago Thunderous Intentions offered up an article following the exit of Matisse Thybulle from Chicago and the NBA Draft Combine. This news was based on social media insight which presumed the reason Thybulle exited was a draft night promise made by the OKC Thunder.
The reason the team assumed to have offered the promise was the Thunder had much to do with history and fit. Spanning the history of General Manager, Sam Presti selecting Thybulle fits his prototypical player type. Cue all the jokes online of yet another player headed to the Thunder who is projected to be a solid defender is athletic and lanky —- and can’t shoot a lick.
Yep... sounds like 21 to Thunder https://t.co/X49jweWKeS
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) May 17, 2019
Steve Kyler was the main source of this assumption given he was at the Combine and talking to agents and the brain trusts of various management members.
Now Kyler is stating he believes the promise was made by another team – the Boston Celtics. Like the OKC Thunder, the Celtics are a team who love lengthy wingmen who are above par defenders.
I was told after the Combine that Thybulle's promise if from the Celtics... Lecque is also likely a second round guy. https://t.co/mSEgSiaiOs
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) May 26, 2019
And, with the Celtics biggest issue seemingly being able to get all their talented assets touches this move makes logical sense as Thybulle wouldn’t need to be an immediate offensive contributor. Boston holds three picks surrounding the Thunder with their first pick at 14th and then just prior (20th) and just after (22nd) the Thunder 21st pick.
The above tweet was in response to news the OKC Thunder worked out the “Baby Westbrook” this past weekend.
All of these comments while coming from an industry insider are still speculation even with whispers occurring. Case in point, Kyler felt strongly it was the OKC Thunder who offered the draft night promise initially.
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The second tweet carries more weight however, because Kyler isn’t going to send out a rebuttal to his first tweet if not for obtaining further information (and likely more reliable).
Thunder fans should be happy about this. And, don’t get me wrong Matisse Thybulle is a stellar draft prospect who will likely be a defensive stalwart on whatever team drafts him.
The bigger issue and emphasis here however, is the Thunder NEED shooters and offense. The ideal scenario would be Sam Presti plucking a sniper and also buying into the second round to a second or even third pick who can be nurtured and grown in their system.
At least the 21st pick owned by the OKC Thunder is more in question now than a week ago when most took Kyler’s initial tweet for gospel just based on Presti’s penchant for athletic defenders. For Thunder fans hoping Presti adds an offensive talent, this news re-opens that potential.