1. Obi Toppin
With the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks selected Obi Toppin out of Dayton. Fans were excited to see what the reigning National Player of the Year would bring, but it has been slow developing.
Obi Toppin was behind the eight ball, as all rookies were, with Summer League not taking place and an abbreviated offseason because of the pandemic. He fell even further behind after suffering an injury in his first NBA game.
It has been a slow climb back since, but fans that have been patiently waiting for Obi Toppin to be released could get their wish. With Mitchell Robinson sidelined, Tom Thibodeau should begin experimenting with some new frontcourt combinations.
One that fans would love to see is Obi Toppin playing alongside Julius Randle. While the defense may leave something to be desired, that kind of explosiveness in the frontcourt would be equally difficult to defend.
Obi Toppin should also benefit from the arrival of Derrick Rose. It seemed outside of fellow rookie Immanuel Quickley, no one looks to get Toppin the ball. With more minutes looking like they will be heading his way, the former Flyer should start to see an uptick in usage as well.
Obi Toppin has some growing to do, but the potential is there. He has a good feel for the game, is extremely athletic and his confidence is rising every game. The opportunity should now there for the taking; hopefully, he can make the most of it. With how little luck the Knicks have had in recent years developing talent, wouldn’t it be great to see them land not one but two impact rookies?
