Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft: Obi Toppin is a versatile threat

Heading into the 2020 NBA Draft, there will be a lot of talent for the Charlotte Hornets to look over. This prospect article will cover Obi Toppin.

The rest of the Charlotte Hornets’ regular-season schedule is unknown, as the NBA has not come up with an official plan to resume the season. However, this time off allows the Hornets to scout many prospects for this year’s draft.

For the majority of the season, the Hornets have primarily switched to small-ball lineups. Coach James Borrego has sometimes used players like PJ Washington and Miles Bridges at the center spot during games.

As a prospect that can play multiple positions, Obi Toppin seems like a strong candidate that could be picked with Charlotte’s lottery pick in this year’s draft. Toppin is a player that has fastly improved, which is a reason why he’s projected to go in the lottery.

About Charlotte Hornets draft prospect Obi Toppin

Height: 6’9”

Weight: 220 pounds

Wingspan: 7’2″

2019-20 stats: 20.0  points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 63% FG, 31.6 minutes

Strengths

• Great size and athleticism
• Finishes well through contact
• Consistent paint scorer
• A high-energy dunker
• Has experience playing both forward positions and center
• A promising three-point game
• Has a nice defensive IQ / smart player
• Great inside defender

Weaknesses

• Lacks consistent footwork on the perimeter
• Needs to improve his perimeter defense
• Lacks a variety of post moves
• Must work on becoming a better shot creator

After reviewing more game footage, it’s easy to see why Obi Toppin has a lot of hype coming into this year’s draft. Toppin’s scoring-production and role in his team’s success have been noticed by many.

While Toppin was a freshman, Dayton finished last season 21-12. This season, things turned around quickly as Toppin led his team to a 29-2 season before the cancellation of March Madness.

After March Madness was canceled, many began to wonder who would’ve won the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. A simulation by SportsLine had Dayton winning the Championship Game against Gonzaga.

As Toppin’s draft stock continues to increase, winning the championship would’ve had it even higher right now. However, Toppin’s impressive 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game were impressive enough.

Toppin is a strong player that can play small forward, power forward, and center. Throughout the season, he gained a lot of experience playing all of these positions for Dayton.

A lot of Toppin’s hype has come from his electrifying dunks. While he’s an impressive dunker, Toppin proved that he could be a consistent scorer in the paint, while shooting consistently from three.

Moreover, his defense in the paint has also been impressive, as this should transfer well into the league. However, there is a concern with his perimeter defense, which can be improved over time with the proper footwork training.

Toppin is an impressive prospect, and he’s expected to go within the top-10 in this year’s draft. I would not be surprised if Charlotte decides to take a chance on this versatile player if he’s still available.