11
Obi Toppin Forward, Dayton
19.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks, 63% fg, 36% 3pt, 31 mpg
After a very hot start to the season, the Phoenix Suns have come back down to earth and find themselves in the lottery. Nonetheless, the future is extremely bright in the desert, especially with the addition of Obi Toppin.
Toppin is an NBA-ready player who will slide in nicely at the power forward position for Phoenix. Toppin can do a little bit of everything on the floor, but as a Sun he will likely serve as a rotational option rather than a go-to guy.
Toppin’s ability to spread the floor will fit nicely into Monty William’s offensive set. By adding yet another threat from deep gives the Suns one of the scariest arsenals of young shooters in the game, which is ideal in modern basketball. Surrounding Ricky Rubio with another outside threat will allow him to easier facilitate the offense, while also leaving more room for Deandre Ayton to work inside.
Draft Stock Trend: +1
12
Killian Hayes Guard, Germany
12.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.2 blocks, 46% fg, 39% 3pt, 27 mpg
Killian Hayes is a phenomenal value outside of the top ten, and of course he falls into the laps of the New Orleans Pelicans. The writing is starting to appear on the wall for Lonzo Ball, who has not lived up to expectations three years into his NBA career.
By bringing in Hayes, the Pelicans can take the final year of Ball’s contract to decide if he has a future with the team. Killian Hayes would likely beat out Ball for the roster spot, as he is one of this draft’s better overall players.
Spending his childhood in Europe, the American-born guard has been playing with grown men for some time now, and doing quite well. Hayes’ vision and floor spacing make him an extremely valuable commodity. Defensively, Hayes finds success in disrupting passing lanes with his length and athleticism. At 6ft 5, Hayes would bring nice size to an already big Pelicans roster.