NBA Draft 2020: Mock Draft 5.0

The Kings have considerable resources invested in the frontcourt. Marvin Bagley, Harry Giles, Richaun Holmes, Nemanja Bjelica, and Harrison Barnes are all rotation pieces. It’s difficult for me to imagine the Kings picking another true center, so the pick here is Obi Toppin. A bit of a tweener, Toppin has the versatility to fit into Sacramento’s sprawling frontcourt.

Toppin is the reigning National Player of the Year after leading Dayton to NCAA prominence. He’s arguably the most ready-made offensive talent in the draft — a dynamic roll man, a smooth 3-point shooter, and a savvy face-up scorer. Toppin can contribute all over the floor on offense. He’s probably a natural four, but Toppin can realistically play small-ball center for stretches, or even move up to the three.

Concerns for Toppin lie on defense. He’s a great vertical athlete, but he lacks lateral quickness and has a thin lower body. He will struggle to contain stronger athletes in the paint, and he’s a mess when asked to defend in space. He can fit all over the floor on offense, but his fit on defense is far less malleable. In fact, it’s unclear where exactly he fits on that end of the floor.