Philadelphia 76ers rookie wing Matisse Thybulle wants play in the 2020 Olympics, but not for the country you might think. In a wide-ranging interview with the Australian Associated Press, Thybulle says he wants to suit up for the Australians this summer in Tokyo.
Thybulle was born in the United States, but lived in Australia for seven years in his youth and holds dual-citizenship.
Team Australia features several NBA players including Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Aron Baynes and Matthew Dellavedova. Former NBAers Andrew Bogut and Mitch Creek also play for the Boomers on the international level.
If Thybulle does wear the yellow and green this summer, he could be joining Sixers teammate Ben Simmons. Simmons has expressed an interest in playing for his home country, but that may be in jeopardy due to his current back injury.
In addition, Australia is coached by Brett Brown. Brown also coaches Simmons and Thybulle in Philadelphia.
Thybulle’s defensive ability would be a huge addition to the Boomers. In recent years, Australia has placed well in international tournaments. The Australians placed fourth at both the 2016 Olympic games in Brazil and the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
