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Projected first-round pick Obi Toppin said on Wednesday that he has worked out for four teams during the pre-draft process, including the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves among others.
Toppin, who also worked out with the Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers, is widely projected to be a top-10 pick next week due to his offensive versatility and should be available when each of those teams are on the clock.
The four teams Toppin worked out with appear to have shown the most interest in his ability. In fact, the Timberwolves are said to be high on him while the Knicks have also been linked to him in recent weeks. Toppin said the opportunity to work out with them was a blessing.
I don’t really feel nervous during the workouts just because I’m being myself. I feel like being myself helps me through any workout and that’s just like playing in the games at Dayton. … A couple of guys coming from an NBA team and watching me work out, things that I have been doing the past eight months, I didn’t change anything. I showed them literally everything I’ve been working on for the past eight months. It’s just something I have been doing my whole life and having the opportunity for those guys to be in there watching me is just a blessing.
Toppin was named the 2020 Associated Press Player of the Year after averaging 20 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and one steal in 31 games. He proved that he could score from virtually all over the floor, highlighted by his 39% shooting from 3-point range.
The 22-year-old has been training in New Jersey and has often worked out with other NBA players, such as Kevin Knox and Jalen Brunson. He has hit the weight room three times a week and believes the long layoff from playing in college has helped him further prepare for the NBA.
Toppin doesn’t have a preference where he’ll eventually end up but wants the team does that take him to be the best possible fit to prioritize his development and growth for next season and beyond. Only time will tell which team that will be…
The NBA draft is scheduled to begin on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. EST on ESPN.
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