Philadelphia 76ers Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot Earned Starting Role In 2017-2018

Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) reacts after missing a shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) reacts after missing a shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Respect Earned In NBA

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot has ascended from prospect to rookie to promise. The nest phase of his game is respect.  To get that, his game needs to improve and he needs to find consistency.

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That only comes with playing minutes. And for the Philadelphia 76ers, the lions share of minutes comes in the starting role. So  who does TLC bench if he earns the starting role next season?  After all, the players on the roster are competing for playing time too.  In the 2017-2018 roster, those players are likely Nik Stauskas, Gerald Henderson, and perhaps a 2017 NBA Draft pick.

Shooting Guard Options

Henderson is a steady veteran player whose utility on the Philadelphia 76ers roster is one of predictability. Solid defensively, he  will produce solid, if not impressive, numbers.  Stauskas is a player whose ceiling may not be as high as hoped. He does have a nice perimeter shot, and he has exhibitted enough versatility to fill either back court role. But he has his limits as well.  As far as the 2017 NBA Draft, the 76ers would be wise to ease that player into the line up.

TLC is ready for the starting role.  His 20 plus points per game average to close out the season may not be achievable, but a 14 points per game role would be just fine.  Defensively, he shows no fear. The last piece to the puzzle is a consistent shot from beyond the arc.  Learn that over the off-season, and he’s suddenly a huge impact on the roster next season.

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Not all rookies develop.  Of those who do, not all develop at the same pace.  Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot has earned the starting role for the 2017-2018 season.