2020 NBA draft profile: What can be expected of Obi Toppin?

NBA draft profile: Obi Toppin’s strengths

Toppin is one of the most NBA-ready players in this year’s class and has a game that should make the transition from college to the league as smoothly as can be. His athleticism makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses in the paint, and he is an extremely valuable pick-and-roll player, doing plenty more than just finishing at the rim.

He’s a player who would suit the modern-day big style perfectly, as he’s so good as the big-man in a pick and roll offense, setting perfect screens for his teammates, rolling hard and quick towards the rim, with the 7’2 wingspan and explosiveness to destroy teams above the rim (69.8 2-point percentage).

Toppin also shot 39.0 percent from 3-point range in 2019-20, and even though he only attempted 2.6 attempts per game, he’s shown he has that range, which usually gets better with time. This means that when he’s setting these screens, there’s always the option for him to pop off and get open for a 3-point shot. There’s the ability to create space not just by setting the screen, but by dragging defenders outside too.

Toppin is a dynamic player. He’s obviously a great scoring force, but that ability to create space through movement is a valuable asset in today’s game. Having a big who can space the floor well not just in the paint, but moving outside too is a weapon, especially when he has the tools to knock down shots from those areas. He also played as a point guard in school, until he had his growth spurt, and his passing skills were seen throughout his time in Dayton.

He can find teammates, dribble the ball better than most who are his size, with his ridiculous wingspan which helps his ball security. His explosive presence certainly helps him get to the positions that he needs to be in, whether it be moving quickly for an alley-oop or just charging the floor, but this is specifically important on the defensive end. His sharpness allows him to cover his assignments in an efficient manner.

He’s got the frame and skill set to be a terrific player in the league, and his game will only get better as he moves onto the NBA.