Young players occupy a strange place in the NBA.
Sometimes, good ones go by the wayside. They get buried behind veterans in a rotation. Until they find a change of scenery, their development may be stifled.
Look at Obi Toppin of the New York Knicks. Toppin has flashed tremendous upside. This is a versatile defender with high-end athleticism. Toppin could thrive in the right environment.
It doesn’t seem like New York is going to be that environment. Toppin won’t be usurping Julius Randle in this team’s rotation any time soon.
This summer, the Knicks will likely entertain the idea of trading Toppin.
Could they send him to the Indiana Pacers?