10
Nov
5 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Matisse Thybulle
Australian Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers poses for a portrait during Blazers Media Day at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 30, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Matisse Thybulle is an elite defender for the Trailblazers
- Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2021 and 2022
- Won bronze medal with Australian Boomers at 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Set Pac-12 single-season steals record (126) at University of Washington
Matisse Thybulle is an elite NBA defender known for his disruptive play and versatility. His unique path from Australia to the NBA highlights his global impact on basketball.
Key Details
Name: Matisse Vincent Thybulle
Age: 27 (born March 4, 1997)
Team(s): Philadelphia 76ers (2019-2023), Portland Trail Blazers (2023-present)
Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward
Size: 6'5" (1.96 m)
Weight: 201 lbs (91 kg)
Matisse Thybulle has established himself as one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders. His exceptional length, quickness, and instincts make him a nightmare for opposing offences. Thybulle's 7-foot wingspan allows him to effectively contest shots and disrupt passing lanes, leading to a high number of steals and blocks for a guard.
On the defensive end, Thybulle excels in both man-to-man and zone systems. His ability to read plays and anticipate movements often results in deflections and turnovers. Offensively, while not a primary scoring option, Thybulle has shown improvement in his three-point shooting and cutting abilities, making him a valuable 3-and-D player in the modern NBA.
Matisse Thybulle's Career
Thybulle's journey to the NBA began at the University of Washington, where he quickly made a name for himself as a defensive specialist. During his college career, he set numerous records, including the Pac-12 career steals record with 331 and the single-season record with 126 steals. His defensive prowess earned him the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and Lefty Driesell Award in his senior year.
Drafted 20th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Thybulle was immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, showcasing his defensive abilities and earning rotational minutes on a playoff-contending team. His performance in the NBA Bubble during the 2019-20 season restart garnered attention not only for his on-court play but also for his popular vlog series documenting life inside the bubble.
In his second and third seasons with the 76ers, Thybulle's defensive excellence was recognised with back-to-back selections to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2021 and 2022. He led the league in steals per 100 possessions and deflections per 36 minutes, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's elite defenders despite playing limited minutes.
Thybulle's international career took a significant turn when he chose to represent Australia in international competition. His decision to play for the Boomers paid off at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where he played a crucial role in helping Australia secure its first-ever Olympic medal in men's basketball, winning bronze.
In February 2023, Thybulle was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a multi-team deal. This move presented him with new opportunities to expand his role and showcase his skills in a different system. His debut with the Trail Blazers was impressive, demonstrating his ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
Five Fast Facts
- Named after French artist Henri Matisse
- Lived in Sydney, Australia for seven years during his childhood
- Set the University of Washington and Pac-12 Conference records for career steals
- Created a popular vlog series during the 2020 NBA Bubble
- Holds dual citizenship in the United States and Australia
Career Highlights Timeline
2015: Begins college career at University of Washington
2019: Wins Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and Lefty Driesell Award
2019: Drafted 20th overall, traded to Philadelphia 76ers
2021: Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team
2021: Wins bronze medal with Australia at Tokyo Olympics
2022: Repeats as NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection
2023: Traded to Portland Trail Blazers
Matisse Thybulle's ascent in the NBA is a testament to the value of defensive specialisation in modern basketball. His unique background, having spent formative years in Australia, has shaped his global perspective and ultimately led to his significant contribution to Australian basketball history at the Olympics.
As Thybulle continues to develop his offensive game to complement his elite defence, his impact on the court is likely to grow. His journey from a defensive specialist in college to an NBA All-Defensive Team member and Olympic medallist showcases not only his personal growth but also the evolving appreciation for defensive prowess in basketball. Thybulle's career trajectory suggests that he will remain a valuable asset to any team, capable of changing the complexion of a game with his disruptive defensive presence.
