5th pick: Pistons- Obi Toppin
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“Ain’t no stoppin, Obi Toppin!” The National College Player of the Year is an athletic power forward from the University of Dayton. Toppin plays the type of stretch-four position that is thriving in today’s NBA. His midrange game keeps defenders honest and his explosiveness almost guarantees a poster dunk whenever a defender is in his way.
The Detroit Pistons recently moved on from Center, Andre Drummond. The move appeared to be as much a salary dump as it was moving on from a player who, as undoubtedly talented as he is, is becoming a relic in today’s NBA. Toppin provides more flexibility for a young Pistons lineup and will be a contributing factor from day one.
6th pick: Knicks- Cole Anthony
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Cole Anthony had the potential to challenge Obi Topping for College Player of the Year had he not suffered a mid-season knee injury. The injury does not appear to be of long-term concern as Anthony’s draft stock has remained relatively unchanged. He was the one silver lining in an otherwise dumpster fire of a season for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
As the son of former NBA player, Greg Anthony, Cole Anthony knows the importance of playing at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks have been nothing short of an embarrassment in recent year and the turnaround could start with Cole Anthony. Even though the Knicks drafted PG, Frank Ntilikina in 2017, Anthony is a must draft being the best available player remaining on the board.