I Have To Make A Sixers Confession
This is going to be very difficult for me to do, but I owe it to the listeners and readers that support this station to do it. I have long been the strongest supporter of Matisse Thybulle at 97.5 The Fanatic, even as he slowly started to fade from an All-World defender to a guy uncapable of seeing the floor due to his never-increasing offensive abilities. I don’t think I was wrong to continually say that Thybulle could be an asset to a really good playoff team, that’s not what I’m admitting. However, something else has become clear to me since the Sixers traded Thybulle to the Portland Trailblazers at this year’s trade deadline as part of a 3-team deal that landed Jalen McDaniels here in Philly. It took me a second to come to terms with it, but last night I finally got into the right mental space to accept it.
Jalen McDaniels is better than Matisse Thybulle. He just is a more complete basketball player, who contributes on both ends of the floor and is also super athletic which helps him make a difference when rebounding. Last night, watching McDaniels start with Tobias Harris and PJ Tucker out with injuries, you could just see the difference between what he brings that Thybulle never could. McDaniels finished the game with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while also playing serviceable defense. Thybulle has only reached the 20-point mark once in his entire career, and it was back in December of 2019. He just doesn’t have the ability to impact the game offensively the way McDaniels can, and that’s more valuable to the Sixers right now.
Now I’m not pledging my allegiance to the Jalen McDaniels’ fan club just yet. The departure of Thybulle is too fresh for me to move on. I will still be in a period of mourning for some time, but it’s important to admit when you’re incorrect. I am firmly at the point where I can admit that McDaniels is the better basketball player, and the Sixers are in better shape with him as part of their rotation. It’s not easy to admit, so please do not rub it in. I will not be taking any questions about Matisse Thybulle at this team. Thank you.
