NBA Draft Profile: Mega Leks SG/SF Timothe Luwawu

Timothe Luwawu

Position: SG/SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 205
Team: Mega Leks (Serbia)
 
Luwawu is a crazy athletic wing, much like fellow Frenchman Isaia Cordinier who worked out for the Sixers last week. Luwawu is a little older (20) and bigger (6-7, 7-2 wingspan) than Cordinier and may be even more explosive. Luwawu bounced between France's Pro A and B divisions from the time he was 17 until he made the decision to play in Serbia with Mega Leks.
 
The move seems to have paid off. Luwawu entered the draft last year and couldn't get a sniff from NBA scouts, but Mega Leks' wide open style has allowed Luwawu to showcase his skills, according to Draft Express. Luwawu averaged 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game, per to Real GM.
 
Strengths
Luwawu and Cal's Jaylen Brown are my two early nominees for next year's dunk contest. Luwawu has produced some highlight reel dunks overseas for a team that likes to push the tempo. He has a lightning quick first step. If he has the smallest crease, he'll hit it in a flash.
 
His shot is improving. He shot 36 percent from three this year, up from 29 percent last year on almost double the attempts (176 to 94). His jump shot is fluid with decent mechanics. Looks pretty in rhythm. He's also a decent passer, using his size to shield the ball from defenders and see the open man over smaller guards.
 
His 7-2 wingspan and quick feet make him a strong defender. He uses his length to disrupt the passing lanes. He also appear to give max effort on defense, always a plus.
 
Weaknesses
He just needs to understand the game better. He needs to understand what defenses are going to do in pick and roll situations. He needs a better feel for the game on both ends of the court. At times he looked a little timid going to the basket. There's no excuse for that with his size and with ferocity you see him finish with at times. He needs to bulk up a little bit so he can absorb the contact and get to the line.
 
His handle can be a little loose. He turned the ball over a ton (2.9 turnovers a game). It'll be up to NBA teams to determine if it's an issue with Luwawu or a result of Mega Leks' wide open style. His flaws are really that of many young players. He's just raw and needs to be coached.
 
How he'd fit with the Sixers
He'd be a really intriguing fit with the Sixers. They need guard help. Desperately. Brett Brown loves to push the basketball so from that standpoint Luwawu would fit in seamlessly. This season was the best and highest volume he shot the basketball from the outside. If he can develop that over the long haul, he'd be a tremendous fit. The Sixers would have to work out a trade to be in a position to trade up for Luwawu.
 
NBA comparison
I'll go with fellow Frenchman Nicolas Batum. From a size, length and athleticism standpoint, they're very similar. Batum's shot was more refined when he came to the NBA, but I think Luwawu is actually more explosive and has more potential on defense.
 
Draft projection
He's a fringe lottery pick. If he falls outside the lottery, he'll be a great value pick.

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