NBA Draft 2020: Stock risers and fallers from beginning of the season

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MARCH 14: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates during the quarterfinal game of the Big 12 Basketball Tournament against the Baylor Bears at Sprint Center on March 14, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 26: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers celebrates after throwing down a dunk during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 26, 2019 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

Obi Toppin – Rising

Toppin is another guy that could have declared for the draft last year but elected to return to Dayton and while NBA scouts were well-aware of the sophomore, the casual viewer likely was not.

At the Maui Invitational, Toppin’s full package was on display. He erupted for 25 points against Georgia, draining two threes, and using a variety of post moves. At the college level, Toppin is a mismatch problem. He’s got the speed and shooting to stretch out opposing bigs, but at 6’9, 220lbs he can power through smaller defenders.

The title game against Kansas was his lowest point total but he still had a strong outing, scoring 18 on 6-11 shooting. His two-way ability was on display blocking three shots and oftentimes being tasked with guarding the much bigger Udoka Azubuike.

Toppin reminds me a lot of Tobias Harris. In today’s league, switchable wings that can space the floor and defend multiple positions are vital. This year’s draft is lacking wings of that caliber so it wouldn’t shock me if Toppin lands in the late lottery. Nonetheless, he is a safe bet to be a first-round pick especially if he continues this level of play.

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