MARCH 25: Toppin has made it official, announcing in a Twitter video that he’s signing with an agent and forgoing his remaining college eligibility as he enters the 2020 draft.
MARCH 15: Dayton sophomore Obi Toppin plans to declare for the NBA draft, sources tell Adam Zagoria of Forbes Magazine.
Toppin averaged 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season while leading the Flyers to a 29-2 record and a third-place ranking in the final AP poll. He was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and is a finalist for both the Naismith and Wooden awards.
With the NCAA tournament canceled, players are free to make decisions about their future earlier than normal.
“He will turn pro,” a source told Zagoria. “I know many NBA scouts are high on him.”
Toppin is projected as the ninth pick in the latest mock draft compiled by Jonathan Givony for ESPN. However, one league executive who spoke with Zagoria expects him to be taken in the top five.
“A lot of times you see guys who are really dominant and they kind of lose their spirit to compete and play,” said George Washington coach Jamion Christian. “He has this superstar spirit that’s genuine that I think people are going to really love as they get to know him more. I think the best ones always have that, they have something that’s a little bit different that’s not about themselves. I don’t know if it’s like an inner arrogance, but he’s got that.”
Toppin may go #1. I would take him first. Thing is, when he checked put the draft last year, he got advised against entering, being just a dunking guy. I thought the idea a bit humorous. But since, he expanded his game and turned up the rampant.
Like a barely-recruited player, he still does not play with a star attitude, like the the GW HC said. Like a traditional center, he still does not bend at the knees, tho will play forward. I don’t think he can hunt for his shot in a smart way. But Toppin can pick these things up.
Depends where the Warriors land. They are taking Wiseman.
He’s a top 10 lock so would make sense
Should be top 5, talent-wise… good case for #1 overall, regardless of who’s picking
Probably a top 10 pick. Also he’s very talented. But I hope a team doesn’t pick him up to be a difference maker his first couple seasons. If they do they’ll ruin him
GSW replacing KD with budget KD, dig it
Who’s your comp?
Aaron Gordon Michael Beasley Tobias Harris blend.
GSW trade Draymond Green for Myles Turner and a second round pick and then select Obi Toppin first overall. Win win for both teams
1. Curry
2. Thompson
3. Wiggins
4. Toppin
5. Turner
Pacers
1. Brogdon
2. Oladipo
3. Warren
4. Green
5. Sabonis
GSW get a better 3 point shooter in Turner, then let Curry and Wiggins take over the play making roles and Toppin gets to thrive as he can develop as a 3rd/4th/5th option. Turner gives GSW more spacing and a better pick and roll player which with Currys handle could be interesting.
Indy they swap out Turner for Green, allowing Sabonis to play centre full time and by getting Green you get a better defender and a better passer. Indy in the East will have Green who will match up well against Jayson Tatum, Tobias Harris, Bam Adebayo and possibly against Giannis.