3 reasons why Matisse Thybulle can become a better defender than Ben Simmons

#2 Matisse Thybulle and Joel Embiid are great on defense together

Philadelphia 76ers Matisse Thybulle #22 and Joel Embiid #21 on defense together

Joel Embiid is one of the best defensive centers in the league and was also placed on an All-Defensive team last season. Embiid played a massive role as the clean-up man on the 76ers defense, and anything got by Thybulle or Simmons had to deal with him.

The duo of Simmons and Embiid were among the best defensive units in the league last year, but Embiid and Thybulle have the promise to be better. The inside-outside game that Thybulle and Embiid could have on defense would be crazy with their long reaches. Anyone driving into the paint could be blocked by Thybulle from behind or Embiid meeting you at the rim.

Last season the tandem was a plus/minus +11.3 when on the court together. Simmons and Embiid were +15.9 but taking into account the lack of offense that Thybulle provides, that means they did a lot of their damage on the defensive end. Next season whenever both Thybulle and Embiid will be on the court simultaneously, it will be tough to score on the 76ers.

#1 Matisse Thybulle is just good on defense

Philadelphia 76ers Matisse Thybulle #22 guarding up on Bradley Beal

Matisse Thybulle could soon be one of the best defenders in the league and is already getting close. For players who played over 1,000 minutes, Thybulle had the fourth-highest defensive rating at 103. On top of that, he has a 2.7 defensive win share, which ranks him 25th in the league last season, despite only playing in 1,298 minutes.

Thybulle is always finding his way into the passing lanes, and his body allows him to reach any pass that comes near him. He can play on you tight and follow you around or back off and still block a three-point attempt. His Per 36 numbers have him at 2.8 steals a game with 1.6 blocks.

Thybulle did not get the most playing time, and it is mainly due to his offense, but his defense always made an impact in the game. Once Simmons is gone, he should have more opportunities to play a similar role as Simmons on defense.