Tis'(se) the Season: How the Markelle Fultz trade gave us Matisse, the gift that keeps on giving
- Merry Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Sixers and the Phifth Quarter fans!
It’s that time of year where we all get together with our families and loved ones as we celebrate the holiday season by sharing and exchanging gifts. Now, it’s been said before that giving a gift is better than receiving one and that might be true.
But in the case of the Sixers, I’ll take the joy of receiving one all day.
The Sixers were able to celebrate the holiday season a little early this year, as they are still feeling the joyous effects of a gift they received all the way back in February. February 7th to be exact.
On that day, the Orlando Magic were feeling the Christmas spirit when they traded for Markelle Fultz. As you all know, Fultz was drafted first overall in the 2017 draft by the Sixers, but only played in 33 games for the team due to multiple mystery injuries with his shoulder (whatever Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is). The 76ers would call it quits with Fultz at the trade deadline when they sent Markelle to the Orlando Magic for a washed-up Jonathan Simmons, a 2020 first-round pick from the Thunder that will probably not convey, and a 2019 second-round pick.
But what if I told you one man’s coal stocking could be another man’s Red Ryder BB Gun? Or in the words of Marc Zumoff, one man’s garbage could be turned into another man’s gold.
If you take a closer look at that trade, the Sixers got more out of it than they could have asked for.
Ready?
In the Fultz trade, the Sixers acquired a 2019 second-round pick from the Magic that belonged to the Cavaliers.
Got it?
That second-round pick ended up being the No. 33 pick this year, which was Carsen Edwards.
Ok?
But, the Sixers traded that pick to the Boston Celtics in order to move up in the draft to select…
Yes, I know it takes a second to grasp, but it’s true! The Sixers got Matisse Thybulle because of the second-round pick they acquired for Markelle Fultz.
So in an exaggerated sense, the Sixers traded Markelle Fultz for Matisse Thybulle.
Now, we’re only a couple months into Thybulle’s career, and Fultz is still only 21, so you can’t really judge who will be the better NBA player. But, when you look at it from the Sixers perspective, Fultz didn’t really help you when he was on the court, as evidenced by his plus/minus of -0.4 his last year with the Sixers. And with Simmons already running the point, having two guards on the court that can’t shoot wasn’t really ideal.
Meanwhile, Thybulle has been a revelation for the Sixers as he’s provided them with someone who can lock down opposing players, disrupt passing lanes, and initiate fast breaks. As it stands now, Thybulle ranks first among all rookies in takeaways, while he is top 12 in steals throughout the entire NBA. Also, remember when people were skeptical about Thybulle’s three-point shooting coming out of Washington? Yeah, he’s silenced those critics by shooting 46.3 percent from three, which would rank top five in the NBA.
Unfortunately, Matisse is now out at least two weeks with a right knee sprain and bone bruise he suffered after colliding with Wizards’ Troy Brown Jr. in their last home game. But, you can’t be an official Sixer without being ruled out indefinitely once during your rookie year. I think that’s like an unwritten rule in the book of Hinkie. Hopefully Matisse can make a speedy recovery and come back better than ever in the New Year.
So, this holiday season, enjoy being around the ones you love. Appreciate the gifts and presents you receive. And thank the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics for giving us the gift that keeps on giving. Philly’s son, Matisse Thybulle.
