Chicago Bulls 2-Round Mock Draft: A potential steal falls

Round 1, Pick 5

If the Bulls were to get a little lucky moving up to the fifth overall pick, they better hope Dayton forward Obi Toppin is there. Right now, it’s all about the future. It’s all about creating an image and selling tickets; getting fans excited. That’s what a guy like Toppin could do.

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In a weak draft, Toppin certainly has a ton of upside, which can’t be said about the majority of these prospects. He is an undersized power forward at 6-foot-9, but he’s as athletic as anyone in his class. This kid can jump out of the gym, and that type of athleticism allows him to play in the paint comfortably.

He may have played for a college program which doesn’t necessarily get the notoriety that a Duke or Kentucky receive on a yearly basis, but Dayton was one of this past season’s top squads. Toppin was the main reason why.

Toppin might not come in and start right away, but he would immediately become a staple in the rotation. His size allows him to sub in at either forward position, a lot like Thaddeus Young.

This last season, Toppin posted a season line of: 20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steal per game. He also shot the three ball at a 39 percent clip. That’s a well-rounded forward, if you ask me.

Now, the big question mark is whether or not he can play defense at the NBA level. Because of his unique size and position, many wonder if he can make the jump to defending NBA power forwards. That will be a part of his game to watch going forward, but at the fifth overall pick, I think the Bulls would steal Toppin.