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2020 NBA Draft: 5 Bigs the Washington Wizards could draft at #9

By Ethan Smith

Feb 27, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Onyeka Okongwu (21) celebrates at the end of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Galen Center. USC defeated Arizona 57-48. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Onyeka Okongwu (21) celebrates at the end of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Galen Center. USC defeated Arizona 57-48. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards Obi Toppin. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards Obi Toppin. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Obi  Toppin, Dayton

If the Washington Wizards want to get back to running pick and rolls with John Wall like they did during the 2016-17 season, Toppin is the best bet. He’s the best pick-and-roll big in this year’s draft, mixing sound fundamentals with uber athleticism to create nightmares for defenses. He also has decent shooting touch, allowing him to be just as dangerous popping out for jumpers as he is attacking the rim.

light. Related Story. Obi Toppin Draft Profile

Offensively, Toppin is a near-perfect prospect, but there are some concerns, primarily on the defensive end. Although the Wizards got better defensively as the season went on, they are nowhere near good enough to be adding a defensive liability with their lottery pick. Plus, Toppin’s overall NBA fit presents issues for the Wizards. He’s somewhere between a four and a five, but it’s not clear yet where he will excel. To best utilize Toppin, the Wizards might be forced to move Hachimura to the three, possibly stunting their ability to use him to his full potential.

Toppin’s got some red flags, but his offensive upside is almost too good to pass up. He’s projected to be picked before the Wizards are on the board, probably between picks four and seven. If he’s there at nine, though, the good might outweigh the bad.

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