Matisse Thybulle to Portland Trail Blazers reported: Can this trade improve Damian Lillard's NBA Playoff chances?
Matisse Thybulle is the newest member of the Portland Trail Blazers. The defensive-minded guard was included in a three-way deal between Portland, the Charlotte Hornets and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Thybulle is a great defender, but his role with the Sixers was drastically reduced in the 2022-23 season. He has appeared in 49 games so far this season, averaging career-low numbers across the board.
While Philadelphia wasn't the right place for the 6-foot-5 guard, there is a chance that he will get a bigger role on the Trail Blazers. Considering how good he is on defense, he could help Portland make the playoffs.
How does Matisse Thybulle fit in with the Portland Trail Blazers?
Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers are looking to make a strong playoff push in the final two months of the regular season. They currently have a 27-28 record and are in the final play-in spot.
Considering how inconsistent the Trail Blazers have been this season, the addition of Matisse Thybulle should solve a couple of problems. However, it will be interesting to see how big of an impact he will have on the team.
The Sixers received Jalen McDaniels in the deal, while the Charlotte Hornets got several second-round picks. Svi Mykhailiuk will also be sent to the Hornets.
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Matisse Thybulle is on an expiring contract, so this was a low-risk trade for the Trail Blazers. The four-year NBA veteran will have more than 20 games to prove his worth and earn a new deal. If that doesn't work out, he will become a free agent.
Thybulle had several great performances in the 2021-22 season, averaging a career-high 5.7 points per game on 50% shooting. He was also a lockdown defender who averaged 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
His role has drastically decreased this season as he's only playing 12.1 minutes per game.
Can Trail Blazers make the playoffs?
Damian Lillard is having another fantastic season in Portland. He's the fifth-best scorer in the league with 30.8 points per game and has had many amazing performances.
Despite his performances, the Trail Blazers are on the verge of falling out of the playoff picture.
The Trail Blazers are 2.5 games behind the LA Clippers, who are currently in the sixth spot in the Western Conference. If they want to secure a playoff spot, they will have to get on a winning streak very soon.
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Adding Matisse Thybulle will improve Portland's defense, which will be essential for a playoff push. The Trail Blazers have several tough games left in the season, including two against the Boston Celtics and three against the Sacramento Kings.