Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: 5 compelling prospects to consider at 2020 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

AMES, IA - DECEMBER 8: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on December 8, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 76-66 over the Seton Hall Pirates. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - DECEMBER 8: Tyrese Haliburton #22 of the Iowa State Cyclones reacts after scoring a three point shot in the second half of play at Hilton Coliseum on December 8, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 76-66 over the Seton Hall Pirates. (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
DAYTON, OH – FEBRUARY 28: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers brings the ball up court during the game against the Davidson Wildcats at UD Arena on February 28, 2020 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH – FEBRUARY 28: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers brings the ball up court during the game against the Davidson Wildcats at UD Arena on February 28, 2020 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Obi Toppin, Dayton Flyers

The Dayton Flyers were one of the most intriguing success stories of the 2019-20 college basketball season. The driving force behind Dayton’s success was forward Obi Toppin, who just so happens to have roots in New York City.

A Brooklyn native, Toppin has been the talk of college basketball—and, if the New York Knicks end up with a pick outside of the Top 5, could be the team’s most ideal target.

Toppin has the size and frame to play the 4 in the modern NBA—especially with a player like Mitchell Robinson at the 5 alongside him. He’s a versatile playmaker who can pass from the high post or run the fast break with the ball in his hands.

He’s similar to Julius Randle in that regard, which could help the Knicks build some measure of continuity while developing a comparable player on a much more team-friendly deal.

Toppin has seemingly developed range beyond the three-point line, as well, which adds to his appeal. He shot 39.0 percent on 2.6 three-point field goal attempts per game in 2019-20, although his free throw percentage dipped from 71.3 to 70.2.

Coupled with Toppin’s competitive nature, he’d be an excellent fit for a Knicks culture that desperately needs to be reinforced, if not reinstated.

Home/Knicks Draft