The Sixer Sense
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Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot isn’t playing like a viable reserve

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 21: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a foul in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on December 21, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 114-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 21: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a foul in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on December 21, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 114-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers might need to consider shifting some of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot‘s minutes elsewhere.

As the leader of the Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot hype train entering the 2016 NBA Draft, these past few weeks have been rough. I ranked TLC as my No. 8 prospect overall, beating out names like Buddy Hield and Thon Maker. I wish I could use some more embarrassing names, but that whole draft class was pretty weak.

Nonetheless, I was higher on TLC than most. I raved about his two-way potential and was shocked when he fell into the Philadelphia 76ers‘ lap with 24th overall pick. Right now, he’s not exactly living up to that hype.

Shooting just 28.6 percent from deep over his last 10 games, the Frenchman has gone cold from deep — an alarming trend that has been far too common this season. 3-point shooting was always the primary area of concern with TLC, and his regression from an already-middling percentage doesn’t bode well for his long term outlook.

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If he can’t get his jumper going, he might not be on the floor much longer.

Part of what’s keeping TLC in the rotation right now is the Sixers’ depth, or lack thereof. With Justin Anderson, Markelle Fultz, and now Furkan Korkmaz all sidelined, there isn’t anyone else Brett Brown can turn too. He needs someone to fill Robert Covington‘s slot on the wing in spurts, and Luwawu is the only player physically capable of doing so at this point.

Even without other options, Brett Brown needs to either find ways to make TLC successful or ways to curb his minutes. He lets it fly with a lot of confidence from deep, and that’s simply not a workable approach in his current state.

TLC’s best strength has always been slashing. He’s not a bad passer when getting into the teeth of the defense and his finishing has been a plus, both last season and early this season. If the Sixers can get him more looks going at the rim, rather than chucking off of screens, that could help him regain some rhythm.

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Defense has also been a problem for TLC, as most of his draft stock came from his physical tools and two-way potential. I’m not sure if he’s losing confidence as a result of his offensive struggles, but more defensive consistency could go a long way in covering up his shortcomings on the other end.

With all of that said, his shooting is still something that has to improve. If he’s not able to hit shots at a league-average mark, the his value in the Sixers’ offense is minimal. Philly has an open roster spot right now, and putting some extra pressure on TLC by adding another wing could be worthwhile.

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We’ve all seen flashes of where TLC’s ceiling is. He just needs to put the pieces together soon, before it’s too late.