Re-drafting the 2020 NBA Draft — 25. Obi Toppin, New York Knicks
The Knicks originally selected Obi Toppin at No. 8 and would no doubt be happy to select him at No. 25. This is a lengthy fall for Toppin, but in my defense, he was never a lottery prospect on my board. He struggled to carve out a consistent role in year one, but there is enough of a rèsumè offensively for Toppin to still get first round recognition.
Toppin did a little bit of everything at Dayton in his final collegiate season. Not all of it translated to New York, but he’s still a capable spot-up shooter and rim runner. His vertical threat is useful in the Knicks’ second unit, and he will look even better with more playmaking in the backcourt next season.
The major concern for Toppin, of course, is defense. He can’t really move in space, and he’s liable to get overpowered around the rim. He can run and jump in a straight line, but his lateral athleticism is severely limited. That seeps into his offense, too. The Knicks overshot at eight, but should feel much better about him at 25.