The Portland Trail Blazers are getting some of their injured players back, including a Matisse Thybulle comeback. This latest Blazers return has been a long time coming, considering Thybulle has not played a game this season. His comeback also means there is more depth in Portland’s rotation.
Matisse Thybulle Is Grateful For His Blazers Return
Matisse Thybulle is finally back and active for Portland after not being active for 66 games. Before their close loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday, all the fans in Portland knew Thybulle was returning. He did not play in that game, but his next opportunity to do so is Sunday against the Toronto Raptors.
This is a needed return for Portland because they have needed more veterans to guide the youngsters. Thybulle’s return will be helpful to the overall team culture and of course, the Blazers’ defense. Toumani Camara has already become one of the league’s best defenders, but getting another elite stopper is great.
Welcome back, Matisse 🙂 pic.twitter.com/aTUJh86xmj
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 13, 2025
The Thybulle Comeback Benefits The Blazers
Missing almost the entire season has been rough for Thybulle. He is probably the most encouraging Blazers return from injury because it has been a tough few months for him. The 28-year-old has always been a positive presence cheering on the Portland rotation. However, he is a basketball player who wants to play and stay on the court.
“Being able to be back to use my body how I’m used to. Calling it to do the things I’ve always I can do, that’s been nice. Obviously, being a basketball player again is great. It’s been tough to be a basketball player who can’t play basketball,” Thybulle said during practice on Friday.
Thybulle’s return benefits the team because he fits head coach Chauncey Billups’ system. Thybulle is a hard-nosed defender with a unique style of getting steals and weak-side blocks. With Camara and Deni Avdija being strong defenders, adding another to the rotation is significant for the team.
An Interesting Shift In The Portland Rotation
Thybulle’s return will force Billups to have to make an interesting decision. He already has a set wing rotation with Shaedon Sharpe, Avdija, Camara, and Kris Murray. Adding Thybulle’s to that rotation can be tricky, but Billups should find a way. He is notably a big fan of Thybulle’s game, so it will be interesting to look into.
Thybulle three 3’s, 6 boards, 3 blocks 1 steal in 20 min.
— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) February 14, 2023
He will be a magnificent option when they must stop a perimeter player from getting hot. Thybulle can be a game-changing defender that Billups will deploy when needed. Thybulle still struggles on offense, but he has an arsenal that can be useful in many situations. Avdija’s rise is good for Portland because Billups has plenty of options on the wing.
The Blazers Return That Can Help The Younger Players
Throughout his career, Thybulle has always been a thoughtful teammate. Players and fans from Philly loved Thybulle, and he has a similar reception in Rip City. He can improve the culture because of his positive attitude and impact on his peers. At 28, Thybulle is a veteran now, which is helpful to a young team like the Blazers.
Young players like Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan need guidance. A player like Thybulle in Portland’s rotation is a great asset. He can be one of the team’s leaders on the floor and in the locker room. Thybulle is a reliable and respected role player who can help players keep their head up.
It has been a long time since Thybulle played a basketball game, but Thybulle coming back is great news. The Blazers have been waiting for this for a long time, and Rip City is glad he is back. Most of all, Thybulle is happy and healthy, the best news for any professional athlete.
Photo credit: © Soobum Im-Imagn Images
