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Sixers draftee Timothe Luwawu promises well-rounded game

Most of the 76ers' post-draft attention has gone to Ben Simmons, the first overall pick. But Timothe Luwawu also has the potential to be something special for the team over time.

Most of the 76ers' post-draft attention has gone to Ben Simmons, the first overall pick.

But Timothe Luwawu also has the potential to be something special for the team over time.

Unable to trade up for a second pick in the top eight of the draft, the Sixers settled for the 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard with the 24th pick.

While he's no Kris Dunn, Jamal Murray or Jaylen Brown (the players they coveted), the Sixers found someone who fits the system they are trying to run.

The Sixers want their shooting guards and small forwards to excel offensively and defensively. On offense, they want wings who can knock down three-pointers to create space for their post players. Defensively, they want players capable of chasing around and defending some of the best sharpshooting guards. The Sixers also want athletic wings who excel in transition.

"I like to say I'm a complete player," Luwawu said. "I play defense, offense and have leadership. I play the fastbreak and shoot the threes. I like to do everything on the court."

Luwawu, a native of France, averaged 14.6 points and 4.8 rebounds last season for KK Mega Leks (Serbia) in the Adriatic League. He also averaged 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals and shot 37 percent on three-pointers. The 21-year-old was named to the all-league team.

It was his fourth season of playing professionally. He played three seasons with the Olympique Antibes basketball club in France. Luwawu's first two seasons were on the club's second-level squad. He was promoted to the Pro A level in 2014-15, when he averaged 6.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

"I think [playing professionally overseas] helped me to play against older guys," he said. "They are tough. They make me ready for the NBA."

Luwawu hopes to make his Sixers debut in the 2016-17 campaign. His buyout from Mega Leks is reportedly $650,000. NBA teams are allowed to pay up to $650,000, so he shouldn't have a problem getting out of his overseas contract.

"I just can't wait to be on the court," Luwawu said, "and show everybody that I can play."

» READ MORE: kpompey@phillynews.com

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