Atlanta Hawks: 13 Players Hawks Could Select in 2019 NBA Draft
By Chris Guest
#11 — Matisse Thybulle, Senior, Washington
One of the worst defenses in the NBA (26th in Defensive Rating per Basketball Reference) as well as the worst defender in the NBA (per ESPN’s Defensive Real Plus/Minus metric) in Trae Young and one of the ten worst defenders at the power forward spot in John Collins (once again in DRPM), there is no question that the Atlanta Hawks need some defensive help.
Enter Matisse Thybulle of Washington. Thybulle was a defensive menace throughout his college career, and he is the current Pac-12 Conference’s all-time leader in total steals with 330. 125 of those came in his senior season this year, which is also a single-season record in the Pac-12. Beyond that, 125 steals in a season is the sixth-most in NCAA history – a fairly incredible defensive achievement.
The Huskies made their mark on the tournament by making it to the second round before getting waxed by North Carolina, but Thybulle is a truly special defender – which is something that would serve as a perfect addition to this Atlanta Hawks roster.
Beyond that, Thybulle would not be asked to much beyond locking down opposing guards and smaller wings and aiding and abetting Trae Young on the defensive end as much as possible.
On offense, Thybulle will likely be a spot-up specialist, which suits him as he is a career 35.8 percent shooter from beyond the arc in his career. Much of that number is dampened by a down year from outside this season after only shooting 30.5 percent from downtown in 2018-19.
Remove that down season and Thybulle is a career 38.3 percent shooter from deep in his career. Much better.