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Is Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot’s window closing with Sixers?

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 2: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2018 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) *** Local Caption *** Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 2: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2018 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) *** Local Caption *** Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot /
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Does Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot have a spot in the Philadelphia 76ers’ future plans?

In the words of Brett Brown, the Philadelphia 76ers will be star-hunting this offseason. They’ll also have to figure some things out toward the back of the rotation, sifting through their talent and determining which players do (and don’t) have a spot in their long-term plans.

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, more than anybody else, finds himself in an undesirable situation. Coming off a sophomore season in which he experienced heavy regression, he could be overshadowed by the likes of Zhaire Smith and Landry Shamet next season.

As a prospect, TLC was one of the most intriguing talents in the 2016 draft. I personally had him in my top 10, buying into his athletic profile, defensive versatility and all-around skill set on the offensive end. The problem is that none of that has transferred to the NBA.

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With Mega Leks in Europe, TLC played a supremely confident brand of basketball. He would attack the lane, search out shots and throw down the occasional high-flying poster. With the Sixers, he has been far more timid, rarely finishing with force around the basket and often looking lost with the basketball.

I’m not sure where his issues come from — the athleticism is there, so perhaps there’s a mental block — but it’s something the Sixers should be addressing this offseason. He still has the potential of an athletic, multi-positional defender who can handle the ball and thrive as a slasher. It’s just a matter of unlocking his highest gear.

If TLC can return to the form many of us expected, he should be getting legitimate playing time. His three-point shot was never consistent, but his form looks good. If he can add the ability to take pressure off Ben Simmons with his playmaking chops, he would fill a much-needed niche in the second unit.

Assuming TLC doesn’t make that sudden leap, though, his chances of sticking around in Philly feel slim. Zhaire Smith projects as a more effective defender, while Landry Shamet’s shooting and playmaking combination should prove valuable off the bench.

On top of that, Markelle Fultz will likely be featured more prominently next season. Even Furkan Korkmaz, for his shooting and athleticism alone, has a clearer path toward receiving minutes.

There haven’t been many international prospects as entertaining to watch as TLC was coming out of the Serbian League. If he can’t rekindle that aggressive, all-around style of play, though, it’s difficult to envision a lengthy NBA career — especially not in a Sixers jersey.

Next: Zhaire can contribute in the playoffs

The former first-round pick has some serious work to do this summer.