The Sixer Sense
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Are We Watching Hollis Thompson’s Final Games with the 76ers?

By Brian Jacobs

Nov 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Hollis Thompson (31) dribbles past Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won 105-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Hollis Thompson (31) dribbles past Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won 105-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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 Hollis Thompson is receiving the fewest amount of minutes in his career, including his rookie season, while new minutes are being provided to a Philadelphia 76ers rookie. What does this mean for the fourth-year shooting guard?

It took Philadelphia 76ers rookie shooting guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot 11 games to receive 32 minutes. In the last four contests, he has received a total of 39. TLC’s promising start could mean one of his fellow teammates’ days are numbered in Philadelphia. This man, in particular, has been on the Sixers longer than anyone else, currently on the roster.

With Jerryd Bayless and his wrist returning one day, Ben Simmons allegedly beginning his NBA career as a point guard, the 2017 NBA Draft, free agency, and the possibility of Furkan Korkmaz coming to the 76ers next season, it’s hard to form an argument that Hollis Thompson has a spot on the roster next year.

So far this season, Thompson is averaging a career-low 19.8 minutes a game. In 2015-16, he played the most minutes of his career, which was 28.0 in 77 games. In those 19.8 minutes this year, the Los Angeles, California native is averaging 6.2 points on 41.9 percent from the field, along with 2.9 rebounds.

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Thursday night’s win against the New Orleans Pelicans, where Thompson received seven minutes, was his 248th game in the city of Philadelphia. The second-highest amount of games played by a current member of the 76ers is 164 by Robert Covington.

Being that this is Thompson’s last year under contract with the 76ers, where he’s earning $1,024,000, the Sixers have a decision to make. If they’re unable or unwilling to resign the Georgetown product for the upcoming season, wouldn’t it make sense to move him before the deadline?

Trading the 25-year-old wouldn’t be a result, stemming from the fact that he’s not good enough to be in Philadelphia moving forward; it’s because the franchise could overhaul its depth chart at the guard position this offseason with the aforementioned draft picks, other current assets, and potential free agents.

So, there must be teams in the NBA willing to deal a second rounder or a low-level prospect for the career 39.0-percent 3-point shooter. It’s almost too easy to see Hollis in an Atlanta Hawks or San Antonio Spurs jersey.

What is also worth mentioning is the possibility of Hollis Thompson playing his way onto the team next year. But, his lower minute count and the increased time being provided to the energetic, 21-year-old Luwawu-Cabbarot could be writing on the Wells Fargo Center walls.

Next: Checking Up on Former Sixers Player Ish Smith

If you’re a fan of Thompson, enjoy his next handful of months with the team (if he’s not traded). This could be the last time you see the “New-School Chevy” in a Sixers uniform, unless they refurbish him, much like they did with Elton Brand, for a second go-around.