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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects Entering March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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13. Timothe Luwawu, Mega Leks

Position: Guard/Forward

Age: 20 (5/9/1995)

Height & Weight: 6’7″ & 205 pounds

Slash Line: .404/.365/.688

Season Averages: 30.8 MPG, 14.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.1 3PM

Analysis

It may seem cliche and lazy, but Timothe Luwawu has drawn comparisons to fellow Frenchman and current Charlotte Hornets wing Nicolas Batum. Like Batum, he’s an athletic wing who has the physical profile, defensive versatility, shooting touch, and court vision to provide a significant impact in every phase of the game.

Coupled with a vastly improved jump shot and a tightened handle, Luwawu is looking more and more like a future starter in the NBA.

Luwawu’s athleticism will be enough to get him drafted, but it’s his passing ability that has him in the Top 14. He sees the floor well enough to be a secondary facilitator, which can’t be said for many players who work the wings in the 2016 NBA Draft.

The fact that he has lockdown defensive potential and a vastly improved 3-point shot only adds to Luwawu’s allure.

The issue for Luwawu is that he’s turnover-prone and gambles too much defensively. This not only lead to points on the opposite end, but routinely gets him into foul trouble—an issue that will be placed under the magnifying lens when he faces players as big and bigger than he in the NBA.

Nevertheless, the fact that Luwawu’s flaws are coachable places him safely in the Top 14.

Next: International Swingman