The French Revolution: Sixers add to the wing with Timothe Luwawu

In the days and weeks leading up to the 2016 NBA Draft, all signs pointed to the Philadelphia 76ers taking LSU’s Ben Simmons with the first overall pick. There was no question that the Sixers were going to use the first overall pick on the best player in this year’s draft class.

Unlike the first pick, there was uncertainty surrounding the Sixers and what they would do with picks 24 and 26. Would they use one of those two picks on a point guard – which they desperately need – or would they use the two late round picks to package them in a deal to acquire the third overall pick from the Boston Celtics?

On Thursday night, neither of those two scenarios happened. With the 24th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Sixers took international swingman Timothe Luwawu from France. Luwawu came into this year’s draft as one of the more intriguing international prospects as he brings a lot to the table.

This season with Mega Leks of the Adriatic League, Luwawu took his game to new heights averaging 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 31.1 minutes per game. He also shot 39.8 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three-point range, which isn’t too shabby. His three-point percentage from this past season, is up there with Kentucky’s Jamal Murray (40.8-percent) and Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield (45.7-percent).

Luwawu officially arrived on the radar of many NBA teams making a case that he was a first-round talent. This is a far cry from his disappointing 2014/15 season with Antibes, where he only averaged 7.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and shot 39 percent from the field. Luwawu was on the verge of declaring for the draft last year but withdrew.

For Luwawu, withdrawing from the draft and playing with Mega Leks this past season helped further develop his game. He showed NBA teams that he can shoot the three-pointer off the dribble, get to the basket using his athleticism, and also get out in transition and use his length on the defensive side of the ball to cause havoc.

Before, we take a look at his defensive stats, let’s take a further look at Luwawu’s offensive game and his percentage when it comes to Mega Leks’ offensive stats. As a team, Mega Leks attempted 24.8 three-pointers per game, Luwawu averaged 5.6, which equals to a team percentage of 22.4. This isn’t bad, especially when you note that Luwawu was the third best three-point shooter on the squad.

Then, when you take a look at his free throw percentage, he only shot 69 percent, which isn’t bad but not good either. Typically, you want to see your shooting guard/small forward free throw numbers in the 80 percent range.

However, when it comes to Mega Leks as a team, they went to the line 21.8 times per game. Luwawu only went to the line four times a game this season, which may be a cause for concern since he can get to the basket but isn’t finishing the job. In the grand scheme of things it equals out to a team percentage of 19. Luwawu was second on his team getting to the charity stripe.

While his offensive game has potential, what really stands out is defense. Luwawu averaged 4.8 rebounds per game (3.7 on the defensive glass) and those rebounds on the defensive side of the ball put him fifth on Mega Leks. As a team, they averaged 23 rebounds per game for a team percentage of 16.1.

With his 6-foot-7 frame and 7-foot-1 wingspan, he helped Mega Leks earn extra possessions with 1.7 steals per game. Eventually, Luwawu can become a 3 and D player in the NBA, the makings for it is all there. If you don’t believe me, check out this game against KK Partizan. Luwawu puts on a great performance on both sides of the ball.

Fast forwarding to the future, what will be Luwawu’s role with the Sixers this upcoming season? Will he even come over? Don’t worry Sixers fans, according to these series of tweets from Derek Bodner of PhillyMag, it should not be a problem for Luwawu to come over.

Luwawu doesn't see his buyout being a problem at all. Plan is to play in Philadelphia. Hopes to play in Summer League. #sixers

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) June 24, 2016

Told Luwawu's buyout fits into that $650k amount. As previously mentioned, Korkmaz's is more ($2m), but can be paid in installments.

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) June 24, 2016

For all intents and purposes, let’s just say Luwawu does play with the Sixers this upcoming season. He becomes another shooter that can run with Ben Simmons, who will play the point forward position in the team’s offense sometimes. Now, do not expect Luwawu to be an instant day one starter because there is still much to learn and the Sixers still have Robert Covington and Nik Stauskas. Both of those guys can still dial it up from distance, when given the opportunity.

If Luwawu can average 10 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting at least 33 percent from three-point range. That’s a solid rookie season to work with and take into the 2017-18 season. The Sixers got the steal of the draft at No. 24 and he will help revolutionize a team and offense that is ready to take flight.