Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Obi Toppin

Looking at Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft prospect Obi Toppin out of Dayton.

No one player increased his draft stock this season more than Obi Toppin, who went from a late first-round, early second-round pick in most preseason mocks to a top-ten pick. Even teams in the top-five will take a long look at Toppin, including the Atlanta Hawks.

The hype is not unwarranted, as the sophomore was the best collegiate player last season, and has the awards to prove it. The 22-year-old swept college basketball’s award season, taking home the Wooden Award, Naismith Award and AP’s Player of the Year, all while leading his Flyers to a 29-2 record.

Toppin is a dynamic scorer and likely the most exciting player in this year’s class. He lives above the rim and slams with authority. His ability to extend and finish lobs should be one of his skills most likely to transfer to the NBA.

The jumper is a nice bonus, and Obi could easily be utilized as a pick-and-pop big. He’s not going to create his own shot but does good things with catch-and-shoot looks. He made 39 percent of his threes as a sophomore on 2.6 attempts per game, and the potential for improvement there is very enticing.

He brings nice size as well with a 7’2 wingspan complimenting his 6’9 frame. He’ll need to use that and his hops to advantage to secure the NBA boards, as he’s not a naturally gifted rebounder nor particularly strong. He could be out-muscled by opposing big men early in his career.

The other knock on Toppin’s resume is his age, and 22 is very old for someone who’s set to go in the top-ten. If he was 18, 19 or even 20, I’d assume he’d be #1 on most team’s big boards. Players of his age are not necessarily at their ceiling already but do have less room to grow.

That’s where the cons side of the chart runs out, and it can only watch as the pros column grows in size. Toppin can slash, shoot, slam, defend inside and out and provides high-energy highlight plays nightly.

Obi Toppin’s fit with Atlanta Hawks:

Noone the Hawks draft is going to start from day one, and Toppin could slide in to be John Collins‘ back up right away. They are fairly similar players, both power forwards who are known for their flashy dunks who can stretch the floor with a solid three-ball.

The Hawks’ upstart offense has been near the league lead in pace in both years under Lloyd Pierce, and Toppin would fit nicely in the offense. He’s likely not going to make any All-Defensive teams in his career, but is a solid enough defender, and could even be better than John Collins on that end.

The Hawks are Locked into the fourth-best lottery odds and have a pick range of 1-8. Toppin’s name probably won’t be called until after Anthony Edwards’ but that’s about it. He’s in play for the second pick on, and the Hawks likely will have the chance to draft him.

If they do, they’d be getting a solid frontcourt prospect who can do a bit of everything. He’d make an extremely fun forward pairing with John Collins.

Stay tuned for more Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft prospect profiles.