Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
Position: Shooting guard/small forward
Status for 2017-18: Guaranteed -- $1,386,600
Luwawu-Cabarrot in 2016-17
Nobody was quite sure what to expect when the Sixers took the Frenchman 24th overall. There was speculation he could stay overseas for a little more seasoning. When more details of Luwawu-Cabarrot's possible buyout surfaced, it made sense for the Sixers to bring him over.
Still, Luwawu-Cabarrot would have to practice a little patience while he waited his turn for a shot with the Sixers. He barely saw the court in his first 30 games. He also saw a three-game stint in the D-League. As his progression continued and the team was hit with a rash of injuries, the 21-year-old swingman seized the opportunity.
Over the last nine games of the season, Luwawu-Cabarrot flashed the athleticism and skill that made him a first-round pick. In that span, he averaged 16.8 points and 1.4 steals in 34.5 minutes a game. His aggressiveness was evident, taking 7.1 threes a game and attempting four free throws a contest. He only shot 31 percent from three during the run, but he hit 92 percent from the charity stripe.
Signature game
In the Sixers' home finale against the Pacers, Luwawu-Cabarrot shined. Some of that shine was taken away by the spat between Paul George and Gerald Henderson, but it gave fans a glimpse of what Luwawu-Cabarrot could become. He totaled 24 points in that game, going 8 of 12 from the field. He went 4 of 5 from three, tying a career for threes made. He also added five boards, three assists and a steal.
Looking ahead to 2017-18
Both president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo and head coach Brett Brown went out of their way to praise Luwawu-Cabarrot. Brown referred to him as a "keeper." It'll be interesting to see what Luwawu-Cabarrot's role will be next season.
With Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid (hopefully) returning to full strength, the Sixers need shooters and players that can play off the ball. Luwawu-Cabarrot showed all season that he is an excellent player off the ball. His cutting and slashing ability is far beyond the typical 21-year-old.
The shot will need to be developed. He shot just 31 percent from three for the season but 85 percent from the line. That leads you to believe his jump shot still has room to grow.
On Luwawu-Cabarrot
"He really kind of grew up in front of our eyes these last couple months. He's got a great work ethic and he's a good kid so he's got a chance to be a really, really good player."
- Sixers guard Gerald Henderson