Just How Good Are Philadelphia 76ers 2016 NBA Rookie Class?

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Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) drives past Phoenix Suns guard John Jenkins (23) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

This Team Needs TLC

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is the 24th selected player from the 2016 NBA Draft. From the moment of selecting Ben Simmons with the top pick, the Philadelphia 76ers immediately turned towards the holes in the roster Simmon’s presence would amplify. Wing defense and shooters.

So far, the Luwawu has been easing slowing into the NBA. Through November 2016, he was seeing a mere 6.0 minutes per game, usually well after the game had been decided. But in December, his playing time is increasing ever so slowly. In a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, TLC saw a season high 16 minutes, converting the playing time into seven points and two rebounds. In fact, the game capped a three game period where TLC averaged 12 minutes per game, 3.67 points per game, 1.3 rebounds, .3 steals and .3 blocks.

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Unfortunately, that same period generated 2.3 fouls per game.

In spite of his youth, he is a tenacious defender. Sometimes compulsive defender. In the realm of raw energy, disciplined rules, and blank canvas, Luwawu-Cabarrot is inspired, but not adept. He loves to play, backs down from nobody, and bird dogs his assignment across the basketball court.

Sledge Hammer Surgery

But he is a sledge-hammer in the operating room. For now, he has much to learn about finesse, positioning. Rather than surgical precision, Luwawu-Cabarrot emphasizes passion. The challenge going forward is to harness that passion into more productive and precise effectiveness.

Will it happen in 2016-2107? It’s hard to conclude that it happens on so little playing time. But keep in mind that there were plenty of shooting guards pulled out of the 2016 NBA Draft. In “Per 36” analysis, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is equal to each and every other NBA rookie in the field.

So it’s a perspective. On one hand, TLC has much work to do to achieve his full NBA potential. On the other hand, he is on par with many other rookies drafted far earlier than he. So how do you rate the pick?

Framing this selection as the 24th pick in a 30 slot round, and in the acknowledgement that he is at par with other first round selections at shooting guard, he gets the benefit of the doubt. Young? Yes. Raw. Yes. Needs playing time? Yes.

The rules of the NBA haven’t changed. Rookies arrive raw. Coaches develop and process the raw potential into NBA talent for years to come. TLC’s best days are ahead of him.

Rookie Grade: B +