After weeks of having to play with a depleted roster, the Philadelphia 76ers are finally back to full health. Outside of some minor injuries, Doc Rivers has close to his full rotation at his disposal for the first time in about a month. While most of the roster is back on the sidelines, some guys have needed more time ramping back up than others.
In an attempt to keep his minutes down, Rivers has brought Danny Green off the bench and inserted Matisse Thybulle into the starting lineup. This move doesn't appear to be permanent, but Rivers should consider keeping things this way moving forward.
Thybulle jumping Green to become a starter always seemed like an inevitable move, and the time might be now. The 24-year-old appears to have taken a step forward in his development, most notably finding ways to be effective on offense. But more importantly, Thybulle's skill set is needed in that lineup now more than ever.
With a Ben Simmons return nowhere in sight, the Sixers' starting lineup needs a strong perimeter defender. Green might still be considered above average in that area, but Thybulle is one of the best the league has to offer right now and is clearly better than the veteran.
Keeping Thybulle as a starter allows him to do what he does best, which is wreak havoc on defense. He will still need to remain consistent as a scorer, but playing alongside the team's best scorers lessens that burden. Also, the attention guys like Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Tobias Harris garner might make it easier for Thybulle to be effective on that end of the floor.
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Many focus on the jumper as the key area Thybulle needs to improve, but he has found other ways to generate scoring looks. Rivers is using him more as a cutter this season and has been able to place him in the dunker's spot. Defenses are always going to collapse on the top scoring threats, which in turn will create lanes for Thybulle to attack the rim.
Making Thybulle a full-time starter doesn't mean Green should never play with that unit. He showed Saturday he can still be effective in that lineup and provide a spark for small stretches. Seeing how Green has been able to adjust in this new role is just another reason why Rivers should consider this switch.
Both players have a strong case as to why they should be in the starting lineup. Green's veteran presence and leadership were an underrated piece to the team's success last season. All things considered, Thybulle's defensive prowess might be the factor that puts him over the top.
The Sixers are going to have to face a plethora of elite perimeter players in the East if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. Having Thybulle out there as a defensive stopper to these stars puts them in the best position for success. Green has had a very successful career as a 3-and-D player. But at this point, he is not best suited as a primary defender for star talent.
Rivers has loads of time to experiment with all different types of lineups, but promoting Thybulle is a move that makes a lot of sense moving forward. We'll see what the Sixers coach decides to do.
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