11
Killian Hayes Guard, France
12.8 Points, 2.3 Rebounds, 6.2 Assists, 1.5 Steals, 0.2 Blocks, 46% FG, 39% 3PT, 27 MPG
As his stock continues to rise higher and higher, Killian Hayes finds himself just outside of the top-ten in this fourth mock draft. Hayes is not an incredibly aggressive scorer, but taking more shots could help him raise his draft value even more.
His ability as a passer and shooter are what will have scouts intrigued. He has solid size at 6-foot-4, which allows him to collect steals with ease. Perhaps the strongest attribute that Hayes has in his draft profile is that he is playing against grown men in the EuroCup.
Hayes could end up being an absolutely massive find for the Timberwolves. If not for the plethora of point guards in this class, he would more than likely be a shoo-in for a spot in the top-ten.
As a pass-first guard, Hayes can provide Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony Towns with a legitimate point guard. In addition, Hayes’ floor spacing can create more space for Wiggins to work with in the lane and make him less dependent on his three point shot.
Draft Stock Trend: +3
12
Obi Toppin Forward, Dayton
19.3 Points, 7.4 Rebounds, 2.3 Assists, 1.3 Steals, 1.3 Blocks, 63% FG, 33% 3PT, 30 MPG
Power forward has been a need for the Portland Trail Blazers since LaMarcus Aldridge left for San Antonio. If the team is unable to land any viable fours by the trade deadline, they will more than certainly look to the draft for one.
Obi Toppin falling to 12 is not a massive slide for the Dayton forward, but Portland is still getting a very good value with a late lottery selection. As a redshirt sophomore, Toppin is an older player at 21 years of age, but this age also comes with maturity.
Toppin is an NBA-ready guy who does everything decently well, but doesn’t necessarily excel at any one thing. To put it in more relatable terms: Obi Toppin is the Rui Hachimura of this class.
If Portland were to get a Hachimura-type player, the organization would have to be very happy. With stars in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, the Trail Blazers probably aren’t looking for a high-risk, high-reward player, but rather a supporting player.
In taking Nassir Little late in the first round last year, the Blazers will opt to take a high floor rather than a high ceiling in hopes that they can get back into contention in the tough Western Conference.