Rumor: Minnesota Timberwolves “high” on Obi Toppin

The Minnesota Timberwolves own the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft – and are currently projected to select one of two different guards.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently on the clock for the NBA Draft, which begins on Wednesday, November 18th. With the team attempting to trade the pick (although nothing has been leaked regarding any players the Timberwolves may be interested via trade), there have also been several reports about whom they may choose to select.

Monday, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves are “high” on Obi Toppin.

“Teams are buying into Toppin’s scoring carrying over based on his explosiveness, inside-out skill level and efficient volume production. And while they acknowledge the concerns about his defense, nobody seems too alarmed or ready to suggest they’ll negate or neutralize his projected offensive output.” – Wasserman

Toppin turns 23 years old in March, and is highly regarded because of his offensive production at Dayton. After leading the Flyers to a top-5 ranking throughout the year, Toppin won the 2019-20 AP Player of the Year, as well as being named a consensus All-American.

For the Minnesota Timberwolves, the question remains about how high they would be willing to take him, should they actually have interest. Wasserman implied that a trade-down scenario might be likely should they figure Toppin to be ‘the guy’.

Minnesota would be an intriguing fit, too, as his offensive skillset alongside Karl-Anthony Towns would be absolutely incredible to watch in the frontcourt. Still, though, it seems as though Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball are the two favorites with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft, with Edwards having the slight edge.

Again, it’s important to note that it may not even be that likely that Minnesota keeps the top pick – as they have win-now players on their roster and would prefer to make a playoff push as soon as next year.