Chanel Bomber wrote:Capn'O wrote:I supported drafting Toppin but I could've sworn he was bigger. The first time I saw him vs NBA competition I was like "That's him? ****." It was immediately clear he wouldn't have the same advantages he had in college. At this level, inches and pounds matter. With Amar'e's size he would be lethal. No, he doesn't have Amar'e's range of movement but he's a better passer. He'd have been really good if he could overpower guys.
So Obi fooled me once but we were right to move on PROVIDED WE FOUND A REPLACEMENT.
Obi had a few things going against him.
The size as you said, but also the high center of gravity, the lack of strength (for his profile), and the lack of lateral quickness.
Amar'e was incredibly strong. He also had a lightning quick first step, which made him a threat in face-up situations and gave him space to take that jumper. Obi really can't do anything one-on-one in the NBA.
Obi's either an undersized center who can't rebound or defend, or a 4 who doesn't space the floor, provide on-ball skills or defend.
He's really a back-up. A good one.
I should have added "and stronger." If he was bigger and stronger he'd be a good starter. Not Amar'e good but good. But he isn't.
