Sixers' Luwawu-Cabarrot showing signs of 'dynamic wing ability'
LAS VEGAS – As the 76ers' 24th overall pick, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot had an introduction to the NBA different from that of No. 1 selection Ben Simmons.
While Simmons is constantly in the spotlight, Luwawu-Cabarrot is just a regular guy on the NBA Summer League roster. While Simmons will be an NBA rookie-of-the-year candidate, Luwawu-Cabarrot is a candidate to spend time with the Sixers' NBA Development League team, the Delaware 87ers.
But don't get it twisted -- the Sixers still look at the 6-foot-6 guard out of France as a valued addition.
"He's showing signs of that dynamic wing ability to shoot the ball," said Bryan Colangelo, the Sixers president of basketball operations. "He going to need to get bigger and stronger, more and more physical with the NBA-level player. But he's definitely someone we are excited about."
Luwawu-Cabarrot is averaging 9 points, 3 rebounds and 1.75 turnovers through four combined games at the Utah Summer League and NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He's shooting a combined 40 percent from the field.
His best shooting performance came in Saturday's 70-69 setback to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA league. Luwawu-Cabarrot made 4 of 5 shots, including 2 of 3 on three-pointers, en route to scoring 10 points. However, he failed to grab a rebound in 17 minutes played.
"I think I can improve part of the rebounds," Luwawu-Cabarrot said. "I think I can grab more and do more of the assists and do better on defense.
"On offense, I [take] whatever the defense [gives] me and whatever the game [gives] me, but [want to improve] rebounds and all the parts on defense."
The Sixers believe Luwawu-Cabarrot can become a very good player in a couple of seasons. His being solid on both ends of the floor impressed them during the draft process.
Now, they are raving over his love for the game and the fact that he's always in the gym putting up extra shots.
"He wants to get better," Sixers coach Brett Brown said of Luwawu-Cabarrot, who spent the past four seasons playing professionally overseas. "I think [his coming to the NBA] is a great timing for both of us where he can come in and maybe at times use the D League if that's what it requires, use an NBA game if that's what it requires."
Brown added that the Sixers have an open mind as to where to place him. But his ability to be a two-way player is something they covet.
Follow and contact 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter@PompeyOnSixers and on Instagram at PompeyOnSixers