Cleveland Cavaliers Draft Rumors: Obi Toppin in play
Around Cleveland Cavaliers draft rumors, Obi Toppin is in play with the fifth pick.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be one of the more exciting teams to watch as the NBA Draft approaches Nov. 18.
With two high picks duplicating skills in Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, the Cavs could be one team to make a trade, with the thinking being Cleveland’s got to do something to take a step toward playoff contention, even if it’s for a lower seed.
The spotlight of a potential trade grew brighter once it was revealed Cleveland would be picking fifth. There’s a belief the Cavs can still find a good player with this selection, however, there’s a sect who believe the Cavs’ will just be spinning their wheels with a prospect who doesn’t make all that big an impact.
Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor was asked what the base-case scenario was for Cleveland, if they sit at No. 5, and the Cavs’ beat writer wrote No. 1: Lonzo Ball. However, in the likelihood he’s off the board, Fedor floats the name of Dayton big-man Obi Toppin.
"“Toppin remains in play at No. 5, sources tell cleveland.com.”"
Detractors will point to Toppin being an “older” rookie in the draft and will question his ceiling, compared to someone like Ball or Anthony Edwards. Toppin will turn 23 March 4.
Toppin’s received a ton of play on this site, and it’s well deserved. He’s the reigning collegiate college player of the year. Plus, he’s a big man who can stretch floor. Defense may be a problem, but that’s often a problem for many rookies.
Toppin’s potential defensive woes are why Fedor also wrote the Cavs should sigh relief if he’s off the board before they pick at No. 5. If he’s gone, Fedor believes the Cavs will have their choice of wings with the pick.
If the Cavs do pick Toppin, the selection would be a move for now, as well as the future. Assuming Andrew Drummond opts into his $28 million contract, the starting front court will consist of him, as well as Kevin Love.
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That said, Drummond will likely be playing else where in 2021-2022, clearing a spot for Toppin to start after taking a year to adapt in the NBA world.