OKC Thunder: NBA Draft big board 2.0 – Top 30 prospects

Obi Toppin, Wing, Dayton, 6’9, 220 pounds, 22 years old

The biggest reason that Obi Toppin might fall in this year’s NBA Draft is his age. For whatever reason, NBA teams are convinced that once you pass the age of 18, maybe 19, you no longer have upside as a prospect.

Despite scoring 20 points per game, hauling in seven rebounds, and shooting the trey ball at almost a 40 percent clip, I could see Toppin taking an unexpected and unnecessary tumble down the draft board.

The defensive end of the floor is the only red flag that Toppin possesses, the problem is it is a bright red flag. Not only does he struggle off-ball, but he is horrendous on-ball as well. Toppin often time looks lost on that side of the floor, which given his experience is a bit concerning.

His offensive game is what piques the interest of many NBA organizations. While we have all seen the high-flying rim-rattling, jaw-dropping dunks that leave us speechless, his game is much more than that.

Sure he can seemingly fly through the air and is an impeccable cutter off the ball, but he also features a soft touch and a beautiful transition game.

How do you stop a 6’9 220-pound athletic freak that can streak down the court in a blink? For a modern-day big man, Toppin turns in great playmaking with his ability to facilitate an offense from the post. Who knows how often he will need to do that, but it is nice to have the ability.

While his athleticism is a plus, you will be stunned with his ability to stretch the floor. Not only are defenses forced to respect his strong attacks to the rim, but he is a knockdown three-point shooter for his position.