Every Nets fan knows Brooklyn is battling with an excessive number of injuries. Garrett Temple was the latest to become unavailable for Kenny Atkinson — though he is expected to get Caris LeVert back on Saturday.
The injury bug has forced Atkinson to lean on some players, like Temple, far more than he normally would. He’s also had to look further down the bench for role guys who can lend a helping hand — which is what first led to Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot getting his chance.
But ever since his third appearance in a Nets uniform back on December 14 — against the same Toronto Raptors team Brooklyn will face on Saturday — Luwawu-Cabarrot has been an important part of Brooklyn’s rotation.
Needless to say, Atkinson did not expect that to be the case entering the season:
He’s raising eyebrows. He’s doing everything we ask. Everything we ask of a role player. No one thought that we would be using him as a stopper. That wasn’t his reputation, but he’s embraced it. I think he’s desperate to find a place on this team and in this league. Been really, really impressed with his overall game, overall buy into what we’re doing.
Still, Atkinson can’t get caught up in the wave of excitement surrounding the guy now known amongst his teammates as TLC.
Temper my enthusiasm, it’s still early. But he’s been a real pleasant surprise.
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