The 76ers are far from a complete team. Yes, I’m way down on Philadelphia compared to everybody else but I don’t care what anybody says. This current version of them, nobody is taking them seriously. They need to change this up or find a way to improve the roster before the deadline hits. The question is how can Philly improve the roster? Is Matisse Thybulle untouchable?
It’s been widely reported that the 76ers are interested in a reunion with Robert Covington. I’d love to know what the 76ers even have to trade? Nobody wants Zhaire Smith. Now they do have first round picks they can trade but the 76ers don’t have a contract they can really match in trades. Is Mike Scott and Zhaire Smith enough to land a player similar to Covington? I sure as hell don’t think so.
Thybulle is the most attractive player on the roster they can offer in a deal. Go ahead, find another that teams actually want. Sure, maybe somebody wants Josh Richardson but Philadelphia needs him. They have a lack of shooting, to begin with. Philly loves Thybulle but what else can they offer up in a deal to improve? Elton Brand has shown he’s not afraid to deal young players either. Landry Shamet was shipped off in the Tobias Harris deal.
Maybe giving up Thybulle is too much. Can always be creative with a deal too. Maybe add in Keita Bates Diop or Naz Reid to balance it out? Who knows. If the 76ers want to upgrade, this may be the only way.
Thybulle is known for his defense. He’s very long and have given problems to opposing players. His offense is limited. 4.7 points per game and really can’t do anything with the ball in his hands. Now, he is knocking down some shots shooting 44.9 percent from 3 but really can’t handle, dribble, or make plays for others yet.
Would you give that up in a deal for Robert Covington or anybody the 76ers are looking at to improve the roster? I’m just using Covington as the example. In this instance, you’re not losing anything on defense, he has a reasonable contract that is controllable through 2021-22, and has shown he can more crafty offensively.
Maybe trading Thybulle is too rich for the 76ers to do but something has to change. They’re not a serious contender. Thybulle is the one young player on the roster that can fetch something and may never develop into an offensive player good enough to stay on the floor when it counts. It’s something Philadelphia has to think about.
