NBA Mock Draft 4.0 — Warriors Take Wiseman First, Hawks grab LaMelo

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 25: Lamelo Ball of the Hawks celebrates hitting a three point shot late in the final quarter during the round 8 NBL match between the Illawarra Hawks and the Cairns Taipans at WIN Entertainment Centre on November 25, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) /

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DAYTON, OH – FEBRUARY 28: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers his seen during the game against the Davidson Wildcats at UD Arena on February 28, 2020 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets. Obi Toppin. 8. player. PF, Dayton. 170. Prospect Profile. Pick Analysis

It’s no secret that the Michael Jordan-owned Hornets have frequently taken upperclassmen who’ve starred at the college level, and Toppin is the perfect fit for them if they want to follow that again this year.

The 22-year-old forward swept college basketball’s awards season, earning top honors after leading his Flyers to a 29-2 record. Toppin flashed explosive athleticism all season, throwing down highlight dunks in nearly every game.

He compliments his finishing with a floor-stretching three and can be used as both a roll and a pop guy off picks.

Defense and rebounding will be Toppin’s main obstacles to overcome, and unless something major improves, he’ll likely never be a plus defender in the league. Despite his mega-hops, Toppin was out-muscled on the boards in college, which will only get worse at the next level.

Still, Toppin is one of the most exciting players in the draft, and for a small market team like Charlotte, excitement is sometimes enough to make a pick worth it.