Clippers: 5 big names who could fall to L.A. in 2016 NBA Draft

Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) looks to pass around Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) looks to pass around Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward Reggie Upshaw (30) during the first half of the first round in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
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Timothe Luwawu, SG/SF, Mega Leks of the Adriatic league

Timothe Luwawu is healthy, so there aren’t injury concerns impacting his draft stock. For a great deal of the build up to the 2016 NBA Draft, he’s been regarded as a late lottery talent, benefiting from being an athletic two-way wing in an age where such players are more valued than ever.

Versatility and fast-paced, 3-and-D style is what all teams look to have on their roster, and it’s what they look for in perimeter draft prospects. Thankfully for Luwawu, he fits the bill.

However, due to an ankle injury in May that has held him back from working out ahead of the draft (giving other prospects a chance to show off and overtake his draft stock), questions about his effort level on defense, and the typical questions that some teams may have for a player from overseas, some are projecting for him to fall later into the first round:

DraftExpress: 14th

NBA Draft Net: 26th

Bleacher Report: 24th

Sporting News: 25th

Nevertheless, Luwawu still holds onto his value as a potential lottery pick, and there’s no knowing whether or not the Clippers are interested in him anyway. He took a major step forward last season in the Adriatic league with Mega Leks, displaying his speed, finishing ability at the rim, defensive potential, ability to rack up steals, and his smooth three-point shot.

He has weaknesses with his handle, intensity, and ability to create his own shot off the dribble, but he’s well-regarded in this draft for a reason, so landing him may require the Clippers trading up into the teens.

Next: Sabonis Jr.