NBA Draft: Five Draft Prospects the Charlotte Hornets Should Desire Most
By Robert Irby
Obi Toppin
2020 AP Player of the Year Obi Toppin from Dayton is a great prospect for the Charlotte Hornets if they land at three or four.
Toppin is a 6’9 220 pound forward and would fit incredibly well on the Hornets. He would likely most often play on the wing, but he has the versatility to play any position.
This season, he averaged 20 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting over 63% from the field. Much like Wiseman, Toppin is the definition of efficiency, finishing with a 32.5 PER.
Toppin is perhaps the most well-rounded player in the draft. The Hornets would love to add him to their group of up-and-coming wings, Washington and Bridges.
Coach James Borrego sometimes chose to run a “small ball” lineup last season with Washington or Bridges playing center. Toppin would fit that role perfectly, as he was used in the post fairly often by Dayton.
This would allow Bridges and Washington to remain on the wing where they are comfortable, while still having the speed and shooting of a small lineup.
Apart from his post skills, Toppin showed a solid shooting stroke, finishing at 39% from the three-point line. A lineup of Graham, Rozier, Bridges, Washington, and Toppin would be one of the youngest, most explosive, and best shooting lineups in the league.
Next: Lower-End (Picks 8-12)