New York Knicks: Obi Toppin can make a leap in these 3 areas

New York Knicks: Obi Toppin’s playmaking

Another part of Obi Toppin’s game that flashed but didn’t quite pop in the stat sheet — his playmaking.

If Toppin can take on more ball-handling responsibility, we could really start to see just how multi-faceted his offensive game can be.

By ball-handler, I do not mean Obi Toppin bringing up the ball and calling plays as the point guard. Moreso putting him in positions to succeed.

Obi always looks comfortable from the triple-threat position in the high post. It’s why he drew so many Amar’e Stoudemire comparisons when he was drafted.

New York Knicks fans remember how devastating Amar’e was from the high post. He could knock down the mid-range, dive to the rim with devastating force, and either finish or make a decisive pass to an open teammate.

Obi possess a lot of those same skills and we may start to see it pop more this season.

Again, we’re not going to see Obi take a major statistical jump in the assist department because of his playing time. What we should want to see is more consistent and assertive offense.

Obi has nice court awareness and raw skills as a passer. His long arms are hard to contest and he can sling some nice one-handed passes.

It’s all about confidence. Toppin can be a playmaker in transition, in the post, and as a roll-man making the extra pass. Knicks fans should be excited to see Obi grow as a playmaker.