Former Dayton power forward Obi Toppin has worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks ahead of the Nov. 18 draft, he told reporters.
Toppin didn’t give any hints as to where he hopes to end up — though when asked, he did say staying in Ohio to play for the Cavs would be a-OK with him. The Cavs own the fifth overall pick and Toppin is indeed expected to fall in that range.
He added that workouts with both the Cavs and Knicks went well, saying he showed that he can offer immediate athleticism to the frontcourt for any team that drafts him.
Toppin is 6-foot-9 and has drawn comparison to Amar’e Stoudemire and underrated Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins, among others.
Questions about Toppin entering the draft seem to surround his shooting touch, but he said he answered any doubts during the workouts, some of which took place with NBA veterans.
Along with the Stoudemire comparison, Toppin has said he has extensively studied Los Angeles Lakers power forward Anthony Davis.
Toppin is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.. He averaged 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in 31 games with the Flyers last season.
The Timberwolves own the No. 1 overall pick, but are said to be in talks for the sixth pick. The Hornets are selecting third overall and the Knicks eighth.
