The Philadelphia 76ers' playoffs chances took a huge hit when starting guard Ben Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury during the seeding games. Despite that, however, head coach Brett Brown remains confident and already has a plan for the Sixers moving forward.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Brown revealed that he believes there's a huge possibility for rookie guard Matisse Thybulle to replace Simmons in the starting lineup. It is a move that makes a lot of sense given that the sixers would need all the defense they can get to compete with the explosive guards of the Boston Celtics.
Brett Brown says the possibility of Matisse Thybulle being put into the starting lineup has been discussed, and says he expects Thybulle to have a "significant" role defensively.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) August 16, 2020
Moreover, according to Brown, the rookie — whether he starts or not — will have a significant role in the playoffs given what he brings to the table for Philadelphia defensively.
With a three-headed monster in Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum leading the way for the Celtics, the Sixers will have to rely on Thybulle to lead the team defensively.
“If they trust me enough in the playoffs to do my job and my role and what I’ve been trying to prove for this whole season I think it’s exciting because I think my work’s paid off and now it’s really time to showcase everything that we’ve been preparing for,” the rookie said, per Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire (h/t USA Today).
Injuries have been the biggest hurdle for the Sixers in the past few years. Although they have been able to make it to the playoffs for four straight years now, health has somehow always been the scapegoat for their disappointing playoff stints.
Now, with Ben Simmons leaving the bubble, all signs are pointing to another early playoff exit for the Sixers. Hopefully, the rest of the starters, as well as Brown's reserves, step up and prove their worth against a tough Celtics squad.
Follow Us
Subscribe