Trail Blazers Top Starter Ruled Out of Squad Due to Serious Injury
The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off one of the most challenging seasons in their history. With a record of 21-61, they finished last in the Western Conference, tying for their second-worst record ever—only better than the 18-64 season in 1971-72, their second year as a franchise. The Blazers have now missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, there isn’t much optimism about returning to the postseason. Their regular-season opener is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, at home against the Golden State Warriors. While the team was already aware of starting the season without a key rotation player, they now face an even bigger challenge with additional injuries.
Trail Blazers Defensive Ace Expected To Miss 3-4 Weeks
Thybulle Underwent Procedure On Knee
Matisse Thybulle is entering his third season with the Trail Blazers after being acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2023. The 27-year-old has missed all four of Portland’s preseason games and will also be sidelined at the start of the regular season.
Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle underwent a procedure Thursday to address inflammation in the right knee.
Thybulle will continue rehabilitation and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks. pic.twitter.com/5VkHDxRjqI— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 19, 2024
It’s a tough break for Matisse Thybulle, who is in a contract year with a player option for the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-5 guard/forward is considered the best defender on a Portland team that lacks elite defensive talent. Last season, the Trail Blazers finished 23rd in the league with a 117.5 defensive rating, even with Thybulle on the roster. He was named to the All-Defensive Second Team for two consecutive seasons while with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
In his fifth NBA season, Thybulle played 65 games (19 starts) for Portland in 2023-24. He averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 22.9 minutes per game. Notably, he led the NBA with 2.7 steals per 36 minutes last season. His shooting stats included 39.7% from the field, 34.6% from three-point range, and 75.9% from the free-throw line.
Drafted 20th overall in 2019, Thybulle has established himself as a strong defensive player, though he has faced challenges on offense. His career averages over five seasons stand at 4.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
Thybulle isn’t the only key player for Portland who will miss the start of the regular season.
Sharpe Has Shoulder Injury That Will Sideline Him For Start Of Regular Season
Trail Blazers Top Starter Ruled Out of Squad Due to Serious Injury
On October 5, it was announced that Shaedon Sharpe suffered a small posterior labral tear in his left shoulder, with an expected recovery time of 4-6 weeks. This injury was revealed two weeks ago.
At just 21 years old, Sharpe was selected by the Trail Blazers with the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Unfortunately for fans, the 6-foot-6 guard has had limited playing time recently, as his 2023-24 season was cut short due to abdominal surgery in February.
In his second season, Sharpe played 32 games (25 starts) and averaged 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. However, his shooting efficiency declined compared to his rookie season. Last year, he shot 40.6% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc, and 82.4% from the free-throw line. In contrast, during his rookie season of 2022-23, he had shooting percentages of 47.2% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range, while also showing improvement in free-throw accuracy.
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