NBA Mock Draft: One final mock before Thursday’s NBA draft lottery
By Corey Rausch
7. player. 27. . Forward. New York Knicks. Obi Toppin
There is so much here that makes Obi Toppin the right answer. The Knicks showed last season how much they love the power forward position and with some of them coming off the books this summer they will need to restock the position.
Given his versatility on offense, he could play alongside Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle, providing some floor spacing that even their guards are not currently providing. The Leon Rose connection puts a nice bow on a logical choice. He is not the flashy player the Knicks may be hoping for. Luckily the draft will not have fans to boo this pick because they would be wrong again.
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Charlotte Hornets. Onyeka Okongwu. 8. player. 170. . Forward
For a team with a number of guards in place adding a solid, versatile center fits perfectly. Onyeka Okongwu brings a defensive presence that this team lacks and will be able to anchor that side of the ball for them in a few years’ time. Even as an undersized (6’9”) center he has the length and tenacity to help him close the gap.
His biggest asset on offense so far is his ability in the pick and roll, allowing to play off his guards and find Devonte Graham and Malik Monk (if he ever figures it out) open shots as he draws defenders to the rim with him.