Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 options with No. 5 pick in NBA Draft

2. Obi Toppin

Setting their sights on local talent, Obi Toppin had an astronomical rise to the top in Dayton, drastically improving in his sophomore season with the Flyers.

Playing mostly off the bench as a freshman, Toppin shined bright by averaging 14.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game en route to the 2019 A-10 Rookie of the Year Award. This year, he improved in every way, posting 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

Toppin does most of his damage in the paint, where his bulky frame makes him a weapon in the post and consistent finisher around the rim. He is a brute in transition, showing solid foot speed and top-notch athleticism for his size. Toppin isn’t afraid to throw down thunderous dunks in his attacks.

What separates him from other bigs in his class is his shooting. Toppin drilled 32-of-82 (39.0 percent) 3-point attempts this year. He has a fluid release and will be a threat as a pick-and-pop player at the NBA level.

Toppin would fill a very similar role to that of Kevin Love. A stretch-big that can provide a release valve to the attacks of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. Though Toppin has a lot of growing to do to live up to a star like Love, he is already a better athlete and can easily match his production from the 3-point line.

The biggest downside to Toppin is his defensive game. His straight-line speed doesn’t translate to lateral quickness as he is often blown by on this end of the floor. He is also too short to play the five position – putting him in an awkward place between forward and center.