New York Knicks: Five options at power forward in 2020 NBA Draft

Obi Toppin, Dayton Flyers

Perhaps the best player in all of college basketball in 2019-20, Dayton Flyers star Obi Toppin is a projected lottery pick. He displayed true versatility in that he played virtually every role imaginable for a Dayton team that went 29-3 and ranked third in the nation when the season ended.

There are fair questions pertaining to how Toppin’s game will translate to the NBA, but this Swiss Army Knife of a power forward has the tools to be the glue for the New York Knicks.

Physically, Toppin is an explosive athlete with a powerful frame at 6’9″ and 220 pounds. He can play above the rim, runs the floor both hard and well, and is a threat to throw down dunks both in transition and off of the pick and roll.

That also helps him on defense, where he’s able to both contest shots at the rim and play the passing lanes. He also has improving instincts in on-ball situations.

Offensively, he’s the prototypical stretch 4 with the added strength of being able to handle the ball. He’ll knock down standstill jump shots—or, in an NBA setting, corner 3s—and can attack overzealous closeouts for both finishes at the rim and savvy passes back out to the perimeter.

Toppin’s upside is debatable in the NBA, but alongside Mitchell Robinson, he’d be able to fill any number of roles in an era that rewards versatility above all else.

Scott Perry may select one of these players, or none at all, but the New York Knicks will have options at power forward come the 2020 NBA Draft.