3 reasons Philadelphia 76ers Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot increases role

By Bret Stuter | Sep 25, 2017

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 04: Andrew Nicholson #44 of the Brooklyn Nets battles Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #20 for position in the second half during an NBA game at Wells Fargo Center on April 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nets defeated 76ers 141-118. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 04: Andrew Nicholson #44 of the Brooklyn Nets battles Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #20 for position in the second half during an NBA game at Wells Fargo Center on April 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nets defeated 76ers 141-118. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Reason I: He is fearless on defense

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is not just a warm body to throw onto the basketball court. In fact, he is the opposite. His ability to defend is not dependent upon dominating a lesser opponent. In fact, TLC is an equal opportunity defender.

Here he is defending Minnesota Timberwolf Kris Dunn coast to coast.

He is constant motion, with that huge wingspan creating nightmares for players trying to drive the ball past him.

Head coach Brett Brown loves two-way players, and much of the credit for Robert Covington’s value to the team should be given to the way Brown coached him into that dual-threat role he now excels at.

But I daresay Luwawu-Cabarrot is even more natural at defense. He loves to get within range of the ball-handler and start working those hands to deflect, block, redirect, or knock loose that basketball. At first, he drew plenty of fouls. Now? He has cut his fouls way back to a manageable level.