Could the Boston Celtics have their eye on Dayton big man prospect Obi Toppin?
The 6-foot-9 power forward is a little short in stature compared to traditional bigs, but as the game has grown to embrace small-ball centers, Toppin could have a major role with a contending team long-term while also being able to help right away in a bench role.
Bleacher Reports’ Jonathan Wasserman believes Boston might consider trying to trade up to draft him.
The NBA Draft expert explains that, with the Celtics’ multiple picks in the first round of the NBA Draft, that the team “ha[s] expressed interest in moving up, though it’s unclear who they’d target”.
Wasserman also notes that the “Suns and Celtics are motivated to win now and could view Toppin as an immediate contributor”.
One of the most athletic bigs in the draft, he also has poor lateral movement who needs work defending the pick and roll — but little else in the way of glaring issues. He can score inside with good hands and an abundance of core strength to get him to the cup.
He defends the rim well, but needs to put on some muscle on the lower half of his body to become a better defender, and has a decent if not remarkable passing game.
It’d take a significant offer to get into his range, but if Boston is trying to move into that range and talents like Killian Hayes and Onyeka Okongwu are off the board, Toppin could be an intriguing option worth taking for the right package.
