New Orleans Pelicans: Consensus NBA Mock Draft
New Orleans Pelicans NBA Mock Draft: Cleveland Cavaliers pick #5
player. 156. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Forward / Dayton. Obi Toppin. Cleveland Cavaliers. 5
The lottery finally wasn’t kind to the Cavs, who had a streak where it seemed like they got the number one pick just about every year, but it might work out for them anyway, as Obi Toppin is considered one of the “safest” picks in this draft.
Andre Drummond opted into his contract, which isn’t a surprise given that no other sane team was going to pay him $28 million next season.
Drummond is definitely a midseason trade candidate, but until then, the Cavs do have some pieces to work with.
A frontcourt of Kevin Love, Drummond and Obi Toppin wouldn’t be bad, as Drummond and Toppin can make up for Love’s lack of quickness and range on defense.
With a backcourt of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, the Cavs could potentially sneak into the playoffs next year in the terrible Eastern Conference.
The Cavs have quietly built a nice little core and Toppin is the type of athletic, rim running defender who would fit in well with the pieces they have.
He is also a solid 3-point shooting, which Cleveland desperately needs, as they are one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA. Toppin is a good fit and Cleveland would be happy to get him.