NBA Draft 2020: Top 5 Power Forwards
Obi Toppin, Dayton
Obi Toppin is a superstar in the making. Toppin made a name for himself at Dayton last season with his high-flying ability and versatile skill set.
Toppin averaged 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in his final season with Dayton. Toppin also was named the National Player of the Year in college basketball and won the Karl Malone award, which is given to the best power forward in college basketball.
All of these accolades boosted Toppin’s draft stock going into the 2020 draft. Toppin does struggle ondefense at times, but his amazing athleticism still makes him the best power forward in the 2020 draft.
Precious Achiuwa, Memphis
Precious Achiuwa may have the best name in the draft, but his play is also amazing. The 6’9” 225-pounder from the University of Memphis is a force on the floor. Achiuwa averaged 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in his one season with the Tigers.
Achiuwa's ability to be aggressive and attack against miss-matches is a huge plus for him. Achiuwa has long arms with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and the ability to play both forward spots. He does have trouble with pressure when he has the ball and his shooting must become more consistent.
If those issues are fixed, Achiuwa will be a great player in the NBA.
Saddiq Bey, Villanova
Saddiq Bey is a very interesting player in this draft. Bey had a very nice two seasons with Villanova and improved immensely from his freshman to his sophomore season. Bey averaged 16.8 points per game as a sophomore while shooting 47.7% from the field and 45.1% from the three-point line.
Bey is extremely versatile on the floor, as well as a guy who has built himself into an efficient combo forward. Bey does have some areas he needs to improve on.
Bey is not the best athlete and struggles to finish above the rim in traffic. There are also questions about his mechanics with his jumpshot and how that will translate to the NBA.
Bey is good at a lot of things, but not elite in a specific area, making him an extremely solid player and a good choice for a team looking for a power forward in the draft.
Aleksej Pokusevski, Serbia
Aleksej Pokusevski is one of the most unique players in the NBA Draft. Pokusevski is very versatile on offense, as he has the ability to shoot the deep ball as well as get to the rim and finish. Pokusevski is 7’0 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan that gives him the ability to protect the rim and get rebounds over smaller competition.
There are some questions with Pokusevski's game. He has not been scouted as thoroughly as other international prospects and has not played against elite competition yet. He also lacks strength, and appears to not have the best upper-body strength.
Pokusevski needs time to hit the weight room and get stronger. If he gets stronger, then Pokusevski has the ability to be a great mismatch four in the NBA.
Jalen Smith, Maryland
Jalen Smith seems to be a guy who can fit on almost any team in the NBA. The 6’10” 225-pounder from Maryland averaged 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in his sophomore season.
Smith has great size for a power forward with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and has the ability to play center as well as power forward. Smith is able to spread the floor with his shot, as well as attack the rim and finish over defenders.
Smith is also a very good shot-blocker and uses his length to contest all shots at the rim. He does get beat off the dribble and struggles to to operate in traffic.
Smith also lacks passing ability and needs to improve on his play-making ability if he wants to take the next step as an elite player. If Smith can continue to improve as a player, then he will be a very solid player for a long time.
Adam Sheetz is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ads360@psu.edu.
