This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers identified one of their biggest roster needs as perimeter defense. The roster sorely needed players that could wreak havoc on that end of the court and they were able to bring in one of the best in the league in Matisse Thybulle.
After being drafted in 2019 by the Philadelphia 76ers, Thybulle has spent the the last nearly four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Injuries have severely hampered him over the past couple years, but now he has an opportunity to bounce back in a big way with the Lakers, and that is part of what led him to choose a whole new jersey number.
“I chose 26 because my two numbers that I’ve worn in the NBA are 22 and 4. Adds up to 26,” Thybulle said in a Getting to Know segment on Lakers’ YouTube.
“So yeah, I chose this number because I just feel like it’s a new chapter, a fresh start, but still knowing what got me here. It’s a number I’ve never worn, a color I’ve never worn, a whole lot of newness. I think it’s a special opportunity to play for such a historic franchise, an accomplished franchise. To contribute in an arena and wearing a jersey that so many great players have worn is something I’m excited about.”
Thybulle’s defensive credentials are extremely impressive, dating back to his college days at the University of Washington. While there he broke Jason Kidd’s single-season Pac-12 steals record and Gary Payton’s career Pac-12 steals record on his way to being named a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and the National Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
That continued once he entered the league as he was an NBA Second Team All-Defense selection in 2021 and 2022. He averages 1.6 steals per game for his career, but injuries have limited him to just 35 games over the past two seasons. He did however, show off a much-improved shooting stroke when he was on the court, knocking down 41.1% from 3-point range on more than three attempts per game.
He is completely healthy now heading into his first season in purple and gold and if he can maintain that shooting accuracy while providing the defensive impact he has always been known for, Thybulle will be a major contributor for this Lakers team.
Matisse Thybulle tied for best steal rating in NBA 2K27
If there were any questions about the type of defensive player Thybulle is, the folks at NBA 2K gave Thybulle a 98 steals rating, tied for the best in the entire video game.
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