A quick thread.

Just so I don't get accused of doing a 180. Even though I would not select Obi Toppin over guys like Killian Hayes, Isaac Okoro, Devin Vassell and Kira Lewis - there is a case to be made to select him.

Here's the argument

Toppin provides scoring and athleticism - two things the Knicks lack. Even though his rim-running overlaps a bit with Mitchell Robinson, his ability to stretch the floor to the three point line is something the Knicks need. He will help the team's offense.

He is also 22 and should be able to step in and help right away. There's a good chance he will be an efficient scorer right off the bat and potentially be Rookie of the Year. His defensive deficiencies can be covered up a bit by Mitchell Robinson.

Maybe Thibs can work on some schemes that hide his deficiencies. Maybe he can improve him defensively. Toppin is a hard-worker and a smart player. Maybe he can figure out some of the positioning and decision-making on his pick and roll defense.

If he plays well right away, maybe he can be a draw next year for free agents? Maybe he can be a valuable asset in a trade if they want to move him for another player. All these things are possible, even if some are not likely. That's the argument.

Or his tight hips and lack of lateral movement make him so bad defensively you can't win with him on the floor, he is very difficult to find successful lineups with and he is 22 and has topped out in terms of potential. That's the downside. Neither scenario is guaranteed.

That's why you don't trade up for him, by the way. There are too many questions around his skillset and the path to winning with him on the floor. That's where I'm at.