NBA Mock Draft 5.0: How high can Obi Toppin fly?

The Knicks of the past two decades would probably be captivated by the potential flash and upside of LaMelo Ball but here, the Timberwolves have already taken him off the board, protecting the Knicks from themselves. The Knicks used several different starting point guards last season but none is a long-term answer and R.J. Barrett is best served playing next to someone who can provide some balance, sharing both the scoring and playmaking duties.

Hayes was at the top of The Step Back’s last Big Board, standing out with his size, vision, touch and defensive potential. He probably wouldn’t be in contention for the No. 1 pick in any other draft class but his skill set would appear to give him a fairly high floor and there is upside around his shooting ability. Putting him next to Barrett in the backcourt would give the Knicks a pair of crafty pick-and-roll ball-handlers who can play off each other and leverage the burgeoning vertical spacing of Mitchell Robinson.

Learn more about Killian Hayes with our full scouting report.