E-Balla wrote:moocow007 wrote:LibertyKnicks00 wrote:What’s your thoughts on Obi Toppin? Looks like a solid 4, I see a lot of Amare in him. He can shoot, has solid footwork, strong, has a nice post game.
He doesn't have Amare's athleticism or physical strength at the same age. Amare was a monster physically even when he was just a junior in HS in FL. By the time the HS senior circuit started, Amare was basically a man among boys (and that was against the other HS elites). Same when he made his entry in the NBA (Amare was one of the most intimidating physical specimens as a rookie). I've been a follower of the HS showcase circuits for some time and I still remember Amare as the most impressive physical player I've ever seen at a showcase game.
Toppin does have nice length, he has solid verticals, he's aggressive and has a good feel for where he needs to be (especially on the offensive end). He definitely can be looked at as a floor spacer type that can do a little bit of damage if you try to close him out on the perimeter. This is what you want from your bigs. But he's not near Amare level in terms of athleticism, explosiveness and sheer physical dominance.
His shooting? You know, yes, the percentages are great in college but he has a slow and low release. I think it'll be fine as a role playing stretch 4 but not if the plan is to feature him. In other words not for someone that will be looking to take 5-6 3's a game in the NBA...more like 2-3 3's per game.
I think he can do real well on a team where there is a defined system and where players who do what they are supposed to do are rewarded with minutes and touches. Toronto, San Antonio, Dallas, Indy, etc. On a team like the Knicks? Yeah, no. He may be able to get some shots and I'm sure he'll get a lot of positive fan feedback but he's not a big enough needle mover for a team that is bottom of the barrel to use a top lottery pick on...if that's what you were thinking.
His upside is a high end role player IMO, not a star.
Amare was 19 as a HS senior though. He was older than most people he played against. Still a manlet though.
Sure, but he was just a man child. The other top HS players looked like kids physically when compare to him. Still remember Amare screaming at his teammates when they didn't play hard or blew an assignment lol at a game that was basically a meaningless talent showcase.
