Reason two – Try to restore the April 2017 version of TLC
In April 2017, TLC was very good. He flirted with 20 points per game. And his performance late in the season, despite losing games, helped restore optimism to the team for this season. But that momentum was lost from the moment the new season arrived. Still, a new season means new opportunity. Furkan Korkmaz arrived, but spent most of his healthy days with the Delaware 87ers. Markelle Fultz arrived too, but spent most of his time on the bench.
Before Redick was injured, the team directed most of the reserve two minutes at Jerryd Bayless. After Redick’s injury, the team began to roll with a nine man rotation, with TLC and Jerryd Bayless being the odd players out.
Mamma Mia Marco!
It was not until Marco Belinelli was signed that the team begain to rotate in a shooter for Redick. Now here’s where things get… strange. In February 2018, TLC averaged 7.7 points per game on 19.3 minutes, including shooting 44.4 percent from three-point range. The March 2018 version of Marco Belinelli is 9.7 points per game on 25.4 minutes, including shooting 28.6 from three-point range. TLC outperforms on virtually every other statistical category save one – personal fouls.
Since Belinelli arrived, he comes off the bench and TLC sits. But if playing time is earned, then the time would be split evenly. TLC clearly has a higher ceiling then Belinelli. That amount of playing time, on average, would push Luwawu-Cabarrot into double digit scoring. And if the team is truly trying to get the best players onto the court, I believe there is reason for TLC to play.