Thybulle keen on "running it back" with Blazers

• Australian star Matisse Thybulle has an $11.5 million player-option on his contract with Portland for the 2025/26 season
• Thybulle averaged a career high 7.5 points per game in his limited 2024/25 season
• He made his season debut on March 17th against Toronto before finishing with 15 games played

Matisse Thybulle’s return to the Portland Trail Blazers lineup in the final stretch of the season proved to be a significant bright spot in an otherwise challenging campaign. After missing 66 games due to knee and ankle injuries, the defensive specialist made an immediate impact that helped the Blazers finish the season on a positive note.

When Thybulle finally stepped back onto the court, the Blazers' defensive identity shifted noticeably. In the 15 games he was available (though he didn't play in one of them), Portland posted an 8-7 record—a winning percentage that would translate to a playoff-calibre team over a full season.

His first game back exemplified precisely what makes him special. Although he didn't record a single point against the Toronto Raptors, Thybulle managed to snag two steals and delivered the game-sealing blocked shot as time expired to secure a narrow 105-102 victory at the Moda Center.

The following night showed his two-way potential, as he contributed nine points while disrupting the Memphis offense with five steals in another win.

"A huge testament to the development staff and their willingness to just pour into me even when I couldn't jump, couldn't run, but still finding ways for me to get better," Thybulle told The Oregonian.

Thybulle's season began with disappointment, as a knee injury prevented him from starting the 2024/25 campaign with his teammates. Just as he was set to return on November 20 at Oklahoma City, misfortune struck again when he severely sprained his right ankle during practice.

The 28-year-old's path back to the court was long and arduous, but he remained engaged throughout the process, focusing on mental preparation while his body healed.

"I missed a lot of game time, but had a lot of time to be in the gym," Thybulle reflected.

While sidelined, he found ways to contribute beyond the court, taking on a mentorship role with Portland's younger players, many of whom share his defensive-minded playing style.

"My way of creating that for myself was pouring into some of the younger players," he explained. "Just seeing so many of them have similar struggles as me, and honestly, a lot of them just fitting a similar archetype. Just being a next-action, defensive type of player."

This mentorship appears to have been well-received by Portland's young roster, who showed a willingness to learn from his experience.

"We have a group where there's just no ego," Thybulle praised. "And the willingness to receive feedback is honestly a huge thing. Because you've got players who've seen a lot, they know a lot, but if the person you're talking to doesn't want to hear it, there's no value to the exchange. So, these guys are extremely receptive, and they all want to get better, they're all willing to learn and to listen."

Billups Extension Provides Stability

Head coach Chauncey Billups receiving a contract extension appears to have played a significant role in Thybulle's positive outlook regarding his future with the organisation. Billups has implemented a defensive-minded system that naturally complements Thybulle's strengths.

"Chauncey getting his extension is really exciting and definitely makes me optimistic for running it back with these guys," Thybulle said, providing a strong indication of his intentions for the coming season.

The coach entered the season with high expectations for Thybulle, believing he would thrive in Portland's "aggressive and smothering brand of defence." While injuries prevented that vision from fully materialising this season, the foundation has been laid for future success, should he want to return.

Thybulle has a player option that should he want to return to Portland, will pay him $11.5 million. Based on his comments following the team's season-ending victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears Thybulle is leaning toward opting in.

"I can't wait to get a full season under our belts," he said in the locker room. "Because this whole year, especially as we forged our identity as being a defensive team, I was just chomping at the bit."

The defensive potential lineup combinations that could emerge next season are mouthwatering, particularly alongside sophomore defensive standout Toumani Camara, with whom he had limited court time last season.

"I don't even feel like we got to really explore the extent of our defensive lineups and what we could really do."