Atlanta Hawks: The top 5 picks at No. 20 this century

Atlanta Hawks historic pick guide No. 2) Matisse Thybulle

Matisse Thybulle was selected with the 20th pick of the 2019 draft by the Boston Celtics. He was then traded a day late to the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers only had to give up Carsen Edwards and Ty Jerome in return, which now has to be considered a steal.

Thybulle is fast becoming one of the best defenders in the NBA. He was named to the All-Defensive team in just his second year. When Ben Simmons sat down, Thybulle was always the player asked to step up and defend the opposition’s best guard, which he did with aplomb.

Thybulle is now going to gain a level of international experience as he plays with the Australian National team at the Toyko Olympics. This is going to be so beneficial for the 20th pick from two years ago as he will learn even more in a different setting.

Thybulle is going to improve every aspect of his game which is a scary proposition given how good he was on the defensive end. Just imagine if the Hawks selected a defensive stopper with this season’s 20th pick. It would mean they could trade Kris Dunn in the offseason, giving them more salary-cap flexibility.