NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 03: Head coach Doc Rivers looks on in the first half against the Brooklyn Nets during a preseason game at Barclays Center on October 03, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The 76ers are one of the best teams in the East, but here are three specific reasons you should be pumped about Philadelphia this season.
Philadelphia 76ers fans head into the 2022-23 regular season free from the Ben Simmons drama that plagued the franchise over the past several seasons. Now fans in the City of Brotherly Love can focus their attention on just how far the star-studded duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden can take them.
At the very least it’s fair to say that the 76ers are bona fide Eastern Conference title contenders. The offseason drama in Boston opens up the door for Philadelphia to grab the No. 1 seed in the playoffs if things break right for Doc Rivers’ team.
The NBA season is a marathon but there are plenty of reasons for 76ers fans to be excited. The following three reasons should keep things interesting for Philadelphia all year long.
3. Matisse Thybulle’s lockdown defense for the Philadelphia 76ers
Outstanding perimeter defense may not sell a ton of tickets in Philadelphia, but Thybulle is one of just a handful of guards who can actually shut down opposing offensive stars. His offensive game makes it tough to count on him in crunch time, but Thybulle’s dogged determination on the defensive end of the floor is a joy to watch.
The former Washington Husky uses his outstanding length to create deflections and skills on the perimeter. Combine that with his physical frame and it permits him to play against high-level point and shooting guards.
Thybulle’s sheer defensive effort makes him an intriguing player to watch for Philadelphia this season. He’s a bit of an acquired taste, but 76ers fans should come to appreciate his game, even more, this season.