New York Knicks: Comparing Obi Toppin’s ceiling to other NBA Players
By Allen Settle
Obi Toppin’s Starter Comp: John Collins
This is the most likely career arc for Toppin. I, like most fans and analysts, expect the highflyer to achieve more than a player like Jones Jr.
John Collins seems to be an ideal player comp for Toppin. Both are known for their athleticism and dangerous above-rim finishing style. Both also share a first-round pedigree and a similar 6’9” 220lb+ frame.
Collins has been a starter for most of his young career as an Atlanta Hawk. He has posted a very solid 16.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 57% shooting. His best season came in 2019 when he contributed 21.6 points and 10.1 rebounds.
While I question whether Toppin will ever become this type of consistent double-double threat, he has all the tools to match Collins in terms of career stat lines.
It would be a natural progression for the Knicks young star to learn to utilize his frame to post 15+ points and 7+ rebounds from the power forward position.
Collins is a tier below the type of talent that considerably moves the needle. In fact, his inclusion in recent trade rumors seems to indicate that even the rebuilding Hawks consider him to have more value as a trade chip than as a building block. However, there is no questioning the type of value of an active presence around the rim.
Collins has also developed a three-point shot that opposing defenses must respect. This will be critical for Toppin to add to his game.