SPANISH HARLEM – The NBA Draft took place last night and it was underwhelming to say the least. 
This draft was missing that can’t-miss player that scouts and executives salivate over. There were some bigs names, like Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball but none could be labeled “franchise” players. We may look back in a couple years and see that this years draft had some great players but has of today all we have are questions marks.
The New York Knicks made a bunch of trades but none that really matter, as they moved moved their 27th and 38th picks to move to 23. That didn’t last long because they later traded the 23rd pick to move back to 25 and gained the 33rd pick in the second round, only to trade that pick to the Los Angeles Clippers. I hope you got that because I’m confused after typing it… but let’s just say it was a weird night to be a Knicks fan.
Let’ look at the two players the Knicks drafted:
Obi Toppin
With the 8th pick in the draft the Knickerbockers selected Obadiah “Obi” Richard Toppin from Dayton. He is a power forward that is categorized as an explosive scorer with impressive leaping ability. He was the College Player of the Year/Wooden Award Winner is among the oldest players in draft at age 22. He wasn’t a 4-year player, as he was drafted as a redshirt sophomore but it’s rare to see someone older going in the lottery. Considered a late bloomer due to growing 7 inches since high school and college, he is looked as someone that can definitely score at the next level.
Toppin had good touch from 3-point land and was a tad under 40%, which is great for someone his size. Will that translate to the NBA? We will have to see but he is a great all around offensive threat. The knock on him is that he is bad defensively with some scouts thinking he is a terrible defender. The athleticism and leaping is there for some blocks but he will really have to work hard on his ‘D” if he wants to be a complete player.
Obi Toppin fought back tears as he shared his reaction to being picked No. 8 by the Knicks. #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/ud5jR0KDkJ
— ESPN (@espn) November 19, 2020
Immanuel Quickley
The Knicks took the point guard from Kentucky with the 25th pick. Maybe not the one you expected, as many favored the Knicks drafting a point with their 8th pick. But two players they had their eye on, Ball and Killian Hayes were off the board, with Hayes going to the Detroit Pistons at 7… Quickley (love the last name) is considered to be one of the better shooters at his position in college and is a versatile defender that can guard multiple positions. He shot over 40% from 3-point range last season but isn’t the elite passer and play-maker fans would hope to get for a team that lacked a true point guard.
John Calipari said some really nice things about him on ESPN when he was drafted and Kentucky teams are known to have recruited great players but this was a pick that kinda came out of nowhere. While you wouldn’t expect any less from Calipari, there was something extra in his voice when talking about what he could offer the Knicks. The Knicks need shooters and he should help spread the floor. Even so, it was disappointing they still don’t have an elite player at that position on the roster.
Hopefully Quickley winds up being a diamond in the rough but right now he is just another guard on the roster.
Comment below and come back tomorrow for the top pick in the MTM Draft, Replacement Matt.
Until Next Time…
