2016 NBA Draft Prospects: Breaking Down Pro Future of Frenchman Timothe Luwawu

Timothe Luwawu declared for the 2015 NBA draft before withdrawing and returning to Europe. However, he didn’t go back to LNB Pro B, France’s second division. Instead, Luwawu joined Mega Leks in the more competitive Adriatic Basketball Association, where he was able to break out and strengthen his case for 2016. 

He’s now viewed as one of the top NBA prospects overseas. He’ll miss the ABA Final with an ankle injury, but he finished on a high note, putting up 17 points, six rebounds and four assists in the semifinal closeout game. 

Once Croatia’s Dragan Bender is off the board, Luwawu could well be the next international player taken in June. Though details of his contract are unclear, it’s believed he’ll be able to come right over as a rookie in 2016-17. 

“I’m ready. I’m going to the NBA,” he told basketball reporter David Pick. 

Relevant Stats

Luwawu’s jumper started to click during 2015-16, after he had made just 0.64 threes per game and shot 28.7 percent from deep the year before. This season, he made 58 triples in 28 games on 37.2 percent shooting. 

However, Luwawu wasn’t nearly as efficient inside the arc, where he shot 41.9 percent—the lowest of any wing on the first-round radar. 

On the other hand, he still averaged 14.6 points, tied for fifth in the league, per RealGM. 

Otherwise, it doesn’t look like he’ll offer much in terms of rebounding, as he snagged just 4.8 boards per game (lower than any NCAA wing I have on the first-round radar). At least his 2.8 assists highlight just a hint of playmaking.

Strengths

At 6’7″ with long arms, a bounce to his step and above-the-rim burst, Luwawu looks like the prototypical NBA wing. He aces the eye test even from overseas. 

It’s easy to envision his athleticism translating to transition offense in the NBA’s uptempo game.

Improved jump shooting has easily been the most notable development in the Frenchman’s game. It has helped enhance his image as a potential three-and-D shooting guard or small forward. 

Luwawu has a clean release with no wasted motion, particularly when he’s able to step or hop into rhythm jumpers. He has also looked comfortable firing after a few dribbles, which he gets off ball screens—where he’s shown he can score or create out of. 

As a pick-and-roll …

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