The Sixer Sense
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Is it time to give up on TLC?

By Rory Fette

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 21: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on December 21, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on December 21, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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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After a promising rookie year, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot had an on-and-off second season with the Philadelphia 76ers. And with many new young players set to take on bigger roles, is TLC losing his place on this team?

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was a starter for the Philadelphia 76ers at one point in the year. But as the year went on he slipped out of the rotation and gained a negative reputation among Sixer fans. Now some of that had to do with injuries, but, let’s be real here, he wasn’t going to play even if he was healthy during the Sixers’ playoff run.

His play and development leaves the team in an interesting spot. The Sixers have a decision on whether he still deserves reserve minutes and whether his development is a priority over the other young pieces on the team.

The good

Personally I don’t want to give up on TLC. He is still very young at 23 years old and he hasn’t had a ton of time to adjust to NBA basketball yet. In addition, the flashes he showed last year were enough to give me hope in him that he can figure it out.

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When J.J. Redick went down with an injury in January, TLC started seven games for the Sixers. In those games the Sixers had a winning record and Cabarrot averaged over 10 points per game while shooting 40 percent from three. During those games Cabarrot looked like he belonged on the Sixers roster. This is something that wasn’t always the case throughout the year.

The bad

TLC’s poor shooting and poor awareness on defense caused him lots of grief from Sixers fans. And this grief was rightly so. A supposed “3-and-D” player who can’t hit threes and can’t play defense has no place in anyone’s lineup. Even with the couple good games that TLC had, this year for him was no doubt a bad one. He played while under constant scrutiny, and he couldn’t seem to catch a break all year.

TLC’s potential

TLC’s potential that got him drafted is still in him. He has great size for a NBA wing and he is continuing to grow more into his body. Plus, even though he didn’t shoot amazingly, his shot looks smooth. With some more confidence and playing time he could develop into a great player.

Often times last year, he just looked timid. His few bright spots came when he confidently looked to score for himself by cutting and driving. Expanding this part of his game will then also open up opportunities for him behind the arc.

Next: How the Sixers can trade for Kawhi and maintain cap space

Look out for TLC over summer league and the preseason. Him turning into more of a weapon off the bench could be a very pleasant surprise for the Sixers.