Okongwu is a poor mans Bam Adebayo and he’s 3 years younger than Toppin. If the Cavs want a frontcourt player, he’s who they should pick.
I agree, but here's what I got out of Fedor's lastest podcast (for those who don't have an hour to listen).
- the Cavs are uncertain about Drummond's fit with the young core they're building. They've talked to him about an extension but Drummond's idea of his value is way more than what the Cavs have in mind. A lot of teams will have huge cap space after this season and after the "big, big names" have signed there will still be teams who missed out with money to spend and Drummond expects to be well paid.
- Drummond could be traded at the deadline when teams get "desparate". For example, a Western Conference team that feels they need to get bigger to compete with the Lakers could be looking for a player like Drummond and be willing to give up a decent asset if the Cavs are willing to take on a contract that extends beyond next year. The team would have to see Drummond as the "missing piece" to a potential championship season.
- Regarding Fedor's mock draft, he considers the 4th and 5th picks as almost interchangeable. IOW, it's Deni Avdija and Obi Toppin. Whichever the Bulls take at #4 the Cavs will take the other one. He has the Bulls taking Avdija.
- Folks around the league are saying Toppin is in play for the Cavs despite his defensive issues. This is an unusual draft in that all the top players have huge red flags. Ball had a horrible interview and teams are questioning his professionalism, plus he only played in Australia. Wiseman only played three games in college. Edwards played on an awful team - if he's a #1 pick why was Georgia so bad? Teams are looking for character and Toppin has it along with a great work ethic and maturity. He's a "safe" pick. He's also the best offensive player in the draft with a modern "inside-outside" game. He's a stretch 4 or 5 with "crazy bounce" and athleticism. He can protect the rim and has the outside shot to be an effective pick-and-pop player, which opens up the floor and fits with what the Cavs want to do. It will be hard for the Cavs to justify taking him when they've been the worst defensive team in the league the last two years, but they've said they'll take the best player and Toppin could be the best at #5. The question is his lateral quickness and perimeter defense.
- There's a chance Toppin could go to the Warriors at #2 because they want help now with Curry and Thompson coming back. Toppin can help an NBA team immediately. There's a possibility Wiseman could fall to #5 but it's unlikely. If that happens the Cavs would sprint to turn in his card.
- The Cavs have only two or three "plus" defenders and you need good individual defenders to have a good defense. Scheming can only take you so far. But the Cavs feel JBB can "maximize" players and "get more out of guys".
- This might be a good year for teams to trade up into the top five since most of the players have red flags and teams would be willing to take less to trade out. This is the weakest draft since 2013.
- Boston has three first round picks but only one open roster spot. They can't take on three rookies. They could make a play for Wiseman. However, their highest pick is #14 and the other two are at the bottom of the round.
- Phoenix is in a win now mode and could look to move up from #10. A trade of the #10 and Kelly Oubre for #2 makes sense.
