Top 10 Philadelphia 76ers Players Heading Into 2016-17

Honorable Mention: SF Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot

I’m a huge fan of Luwawu’s game and him being on this list by the season’s end wouldn’t surprise me whatsoever, but for now, he barely misses the cut. His lack not only of NBA experience but experience with American basketball in general makes it tough to put him on this list without any resounding reassurance as a top prospect, and his subtle flaws are enough to keep him off the list for the time being.

TLC is an spectacular athlete on the wing with the defensive chops and feel for the game needed to make an impact in the league from day one. While Brett Brown has already stressed the fact that Luwawu will likely see some time in the D-League early on, his ability to push the pace offensively and provide a solid stopper on the other end could lead him to securing a viable role in the rotation as the season progresses.

This is a Philadelphia team that will have the opportunitiy to get out and run the floor from time to time with Simmons at the helm, and Luwawu could fit well when they do so. He’s an acrobatic finisher above the rim and an incredibly aware playmaker on the fastbreak for somebody who likes to operate at such a breakneck speed.

Luwawu has shown that he has made improvements in his understanding of the half court offensive game as well, something he showcased in Summer League play, and will likely continue to grow into during his rookie season. He played under control and rotated around the court and off of screens at a level far more mature than I, as well as anybody else, would’ve anticipated from the French stud in his first semblances of NBA play. He fit well as a plug-in alongside Simmons, and should eventually have the opportunity to do that during the season as well.

The youngster isn’t making the list by mere formality in favor of more proven entities, but that doesn’t mean he’s not somebody worth monitoring throughout the season. If some of the incremental improvements he displayed in Vegas translate to the next level, he could make sizable strides as a functioning part of Philly’s somewhat flimsy guard depth that is in need of a defensive boost.

Next: 10. Grant