One of the more intriguing moves that the Indiana Pacers made this offseason was acquiring power forward Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks. To land the No. 8 overall pick from the 2020 NBA Draft, the Pacers traded two future second-round picks to the Knicks.
It is a low-risk, high-reward deal for Indiana. Toppin never got a chance to consistently showcase his talents in New York as he was behind two-time All-NBA power forward Julius Randle on the depth chart. Given the rigidness that head coach Tom Thibodeau had when it came to his rotation, Toppin’s chances were few and far between.
In his career, Toppin has averaged 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game. When he has had the chance to be a starter, his numbers have taken off. In 15 carer starts, the Dayton product has averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. His true shooting percentage is an eye-popping .697 with a shooting split of .576/.440/.837.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Indiana Pacers, Obi Toppin & NBA Updates
There is real talent there and the Pacers are hoping that they can help unlock it. While Toppin is certainly disappointed about leaving his hometown team, as he grew up a Knicks fan, he is excited about what the future holds for him as he believes he is a good fit in Indiana.
“That’s my game,” Toppin said at his camp in Dayton. “Everybody knows my game. In the open floor, I run the floor really hard. We’re gonna play with a fast pace. That what’s the league is. We’re not slowing it down. They’re trying to get a bucket in the first 10 seconds of the shot clock. I feel like that’s good for us, getting us as many easy buckets as we can.”
“I just feel like Indiana’s vision is going to be playing me to my strengths. I feel like they’re going to allow me to get back to what I do best, which is put pressure on the rim, attack the rim.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Indiana Pacers, Obi Toppin & NBA Updates
There is certainly a chance that Toppin can break into the starting lineup for the Pacers during the 2023-24 season. He would make for an intriguing fit alongside center Myles Turner, who can compensate for any shortcomings that Toppin has on the defensive end.
The Pacers also play at a very fast pace, as Toppin noted. Last season, they were fourth in the NBA in pace, which fits right into his style of play. In the open court, Toppin is a highlight waiting to happen with his incredible athleticism.
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