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Golden State Warriors NBA Draft: Obi Toppin can help them win immediately

By Tony Pesta

DAYTON, OHIO - DECEMBER 30: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers warms up before the game against the North Florida Ospreys at UD Arena on December 30, 2019 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OHIO - DECEMBER 30: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers warms up before the game against the North Florida Ospreys at UD Arena on December 30, 2019 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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If the Golden State Warriors want to prioritize winning now in the 2020 NBA Draft, Obi Toppin should be their selection.

The Golden State Warriors have an interesting conundrum on their hands in the 2020 NBA Draft. Most teams picking with the No. 2 overall pick would be desperate to find a franchise cornerstone that can help them build for the future. For franchises like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls, this is certainly the case.

In contrast, the Dubs don’t need to find a star anytime soon. They already have a championship-caliber nucleus and everything they need to compete in the present. While selecting a player with a high ceiling such as Anthony Edwards or James Wiseman could help the team years from now, their best option could be to target a prospect that can help them win a title right now.

Mike Wilbon went on 95.7 The Game to talk about Toppin and how he fears the Warriors will steal him from Chicago and win a championship next season:

"“I’m terrified that the Warriors are gonna take him, and because he’s 22 years old, and played four years of college, I’m terrified that they’re going to take him and win with him. At 6’8, 6’9, he fits perfectly what the Warriors do.”"

Wilbon is right. Toppin’s experience sets him apart from other top prospects and is exactly what the Warriors will be looking for in whoever they select. They need someone who is mature enough to handle high-pressure moments. Toppin’s additional time in college could help him in this area.

On top of this, his game fits nicely with the Dubs small-ball system. He is a great athlete with a pure jump shot. Last season in Dayton, the 22-year old averaged 20.0 points on 63.3 percent shooting from the floor and a near 40 percent 3-point clip. Toppin will score in bunches running in transition and acting as a pick-and-popper for the Warriors.

Although Toppin doesn’t have as much potential to blossom into an All-Star – he is capable of being a key role player for years to come. The Warriors can focus on rebuilding later – right now they should be looking to go all-in for a fourth championship.

Next. 8 Trades involving No. 2 overall pick. dark

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