Obi Toppin

Draft Notes

Obi Toppin came out of nowhere to have a great first season for Dayton (after a red-shirt year) and then followed that up with an even better second season. He shot over 63% from the field and 39% from 3 this past year for 20ppg. His athleticism and efficient scoring should make him a top 10 pick in the NBA draft.

Strengths

At 6-9 and 220 he’s a versatile offensive player. He scores within the flow of the offense, rebounds well and can stretch the floor. He’s an explosive above the rim player and great dunker, really bouncy.

He’s fundamentally sound, understands spacing and operates well in pick and roll and pick and pop situations. His 3pt shot gives his game an added dimension and opens up his dribble drive game and opens the floor for his teammates.

Toppin isn’t the smoothest athlete and his running style and movements are a bit herky jerky but he’s extremely effective at gaining position and out running opponents. Some of this is due to his good anticipation and instincts for the game but he’s also a big time athlete who will definitely be able to hold his own at the next level.

He’s got a good frame, solid build and appears to have good length and he’s got the strength to absorb contact and still get his shot off.

Letting it rain from outside is where Toppin really sets himself apart from the pack. He’s got a compact and consistent release and he hits his 3pt shot at a high clip. He’s great in catch and shoot situations and can also find his own shot off the step-back.

Weaknesses

On defense he can be a bit heavy footed and doesn’t have elite lateral agility or foot-speed. Will be better suited to guarding 4’s at the NBA level and might struggle to step out into space and guard on the perimeter. He’s also not big enough to guard the better centers in the league.

His anticipation on the offensive end is nice but on defense he seems a bit out of touch and can be a little soft.

He’s an older prospect, born in 1998, which isn’t necessarily a negative but it’s something to keep in mind when ranking him vs. 19 and 20 year olds.

Comparisons

• stronger Drew Gooden
• Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson
• Amar’e lite

Draft Projection

top 3-10 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft

2020 Power Forwards

1. Obi Toppin – 6-9 – Dayton 
2. Aleksej Pokusevski – 7-0 – Serbia
3. Precious Achiuwa – 6-9 – Memphis 
4. Paul Reed – 6-9 – DePaul
5. Jalen Smith – 6-10 – Maryland
6. Xavier Tillman – 6-8 – Michigan State
7. Mamadi Diakite – 6-9 – Virginia
8. Reggie Perry – 6-9 – Mississippi State
9. Lamar Stevens – 6-8 – Penn State
10. Killian Tillie – 6-10 – Gonzaga (France)
11. Paul Eboua – 6-8 – Cameroon 
12. Emmitt Williams – 6-6 – LSU
13. E.J. Montgomery – 6-10 – Kentucky