While the postseason is set to begin at Disney World, the Golden State Warriors have flipped the switch to draft season. With the worst record in the NBA, the Warriors were one of eight teams left outside the Orlando Bubble. With Golden State’s early offseason, Bob Myers and Steve Kerr will have a jumpstart on draft prep.
Before Golden State makes their first pick in the top-five since 2002, mock drafts are flowing in with predictions for the Warriors’ selection. Georgia’s Anthony Edwards, Memphis’ James Wiseman, Israel’s Deni Avdija and Florida State’s Devin Vassell have been listed alongside the Warriors in mock drafts.
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In Jonathan Wasserman’s latest mock draft for Bleacher Report, Golden State landed a high-flying forward out of Dayton. With the No. 3 overall selection, Wasserman added Obi Toppin to the Warriors. According to Wasserman, Toppin’s improved skillset could fit Golden State’s win-now approach.
Via Bleacher Report:
Toppin converted scouts into believers this season with improved shooting and passing to complement the explosive finishing. And given Golden State’s spread offense, ball movement and win-now roster, the 22-year-old inside-out big man could have a more appealing case than a project whose weaknesses include skill and feel.
View Wasserman’s full Bleacher Report mock draft here.
On his way to winning the National College Player of the Year award, Toppin averaged 20 points on 63.3% shooting from the field with 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest. The 6-foot-9 forward added long-distance shooting as a sophomore, jumping from 0.6 attempts from beyond the arc as a freshman to 2.6 in his second season with Dayton.
Toppin’s elite athleticism and above the rim mentality could add a new wrinkle to Golden State’s roster. With his ability to run the floor, Toppin would immediately provide a rim running lob threat alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
Imagine Draymond finding Obi for lobs every possession. pic.twitter.com/ZZRRJoFT1j
— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) February 22, 2020
Would look nice in a Golden State uni next season. pic.twitter.com/2Qc1Hw3x2T
— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) February 12, 2020
As the Warriors try to make a run back to the postseason during his rookie year, the 22-year-old would have time to refine his 3-point shooting and build his defensive repertoire with Draymond Green as his mentor.
Myers and Kerr will have a better outlook for Golden State’s draft plans when they find out when they’ll be on the clock on Thursday at the NBA Draft Lottery.
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