Obi Toppin
Updated as of 11/21/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2020 rankings finalized on 11/17/20.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220
College: Dayton
Classification: Redshirt Sophomore
Birthdate: 3/4/1998
2020 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 6
Projected Draft Range: Lottery
2020 NBA Draft: Round 1, Pick 8 by the New York Knicks
Pros:
Solid low post scorer
Good shooter, has stretch big potential
Decent scorer off the dribble
Excels at scoring on the move
Very efficient scorer
Solid hands
Decent playmaker for his size
Adequate defender
Solid athlete
Very good motor
Cons:
Can be reluctant to take jumpers
Not an elite ball handler
May need to improve his rebounding
Does not collect enough steals or blocks
Struggles to guard quicker players in space
Summary:
Obi Toppin is an athletic, skilled big man that had a tremendous sophomore season. He had a tremendous showing as he scored 25 points in Dayton’s win over Georgia at the Maui Invitational, and he ended up being named the Associated Press’ National Player of the Year this season.
He is a very efficient scorer that can make shots in a variety of ways, as he can routinely finish plays above the rim, is a very skilled scorer in the post, and he also is a good shooter that can make long-range jumpers to provide floor spacing to his team on offense. On the downside, he can tend to struggle to defend opponents in space, as he can have trouble guarding quicker players.
Overall, Toppin is a very skilled player that could be one of the best players in the 2020 draft. Currently, he projects to be a likely lottery pick, and he may be one of the safest bets to succeed among players in this draft class.
Links:
24/7 Sports’ Article on Toppin Being Named AP Player of the Year
Games Scouted:
11/25/19 Dayton vs. Georgia
11/26/19 Dayton vs. Virginia Tech
1/17/20 Dayton vs. Saint Louis
3/4/20 Dayton vs. Rhode Island
If you use any portion of this material, please credit NBA Scouting Live.
