The Philadelphia 76ers Got a Steal in Timothe Luwawu

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Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Tools

Offensively, Luwawu is somewhat limited coming into the league outside of his exceptional transition game, but that doesn’t limit his upside whatsoever. With his athleticism on the way to the basket and much improved all-around skill set during his tenure with Mega Leks, Luwawu has put himself on the right track in terms of becoming an effective contributor in the half court as well.

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Luwawu’s shooting is his most promising sign moving into the NBA. He improved greatly over the course of his last season overseas, and seemed to develop a smooth stroke when spotting up and ideal mechanics that don’t need any extensive work from a functionality standpoint. With a clean looking shot and improving accuracy, Luwawu should be able to spot-up on the perimeter as an off-ball scorer to Simmons, Jerryd Bayless, and the rest of the Sixers’ playmakers,. His shooting touch will likely only improve as he gets acclimated to the league and works with a Philly training staff that has proven itself capable in the shooting department in the past. As a team seemingly starved of outside scoring during several stretches of games last season, this is a tools the Sixers will likely seek to exploit and improve at every possible opportunity.

Slashing is also a facet of his game that Luwawu should have ample success in at the NBA level. As I mentioned earlier, his finishing touch is still a work in progress, but he finds his way above the rim more often than not and could certainly develop as a quick off-guard cutter. His rapid first step and exceptional fluidity should allow him to free himself from the defense in plentiful amounts, and making his way towards the rim is the least of his worries in regards to skill. His solid passing touch in transition could translate well to half court sets as well, but that will likely come with time as he adjusts to what may be a slower pace considering the change in philosophy the NBA provides in contrast to Mega Leks and the decreased role he will play in early on.

Luwawu isn’t much of a shot creator yet, but that’s another tool that could come it time. I don’t expect him to be a 20-point scorer that pushes the majority of his buckets in through isolation match-ups on the perimeter, but utilizing his length and quickness to find space and get shots off isn’t out of the question in terms of something he could add to his arsenal as his career progresses in America.

Transition and the defensive end are the areas in which Luwawu is going to excel immediately, but his offensive game in general shouldn’t be too far behind. His work ethic will play a crucial role in determining just how successful he is as an all-encompassing wing player, but all the requisite tools are in place. His upside goes well beyond standard spot up shooter, with his defense only cementing his status as a potentially elite prospect.

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