The Definitive New York Knicks Roster Breakdown: The Frontcourt
By Adam Kester
New York Knicks Frontcourt: Obi Toppin
His dad is a New York City streetball legend and he chose Burger King over Chick-fil-a… New York is in Obi Toppin’s blood.
His NYC roots make him a fan favorite. Playing time is partly out of his control and can be hard to find for Toppin due to Julius Randle soaking up so many minutes, yet there is still some pressure for the former 8th overall pick to show improvements in his game.
What We Know
Toppin is an athletic, high-flying forward who has some the potential to be a dynamic weapon on offense.
Let’s be honest, there probably wasn’t a worse fit for Toppin coming into the league in terms of an environment that would give him playing time and play in the fast-paced style of offense that he was accustomed to in college.
Or, maybe it was a good fit after all? Toppin has been forced to face his biggest weaknesses as a part of this rugged, slow-paced Tom Thibodeau-led team.
He has some exciting attributes in his toolbox that show why he was lottery pick.
What To Expect:
For the most part, Toppin should have a similar role to last season, operating as the team’s backup power forward behind Julius Randle.
We did see a Toppin-Randle frontcourt to end the Knicks last preseason game, which is exciting, but I do think it was a result of the circumstances — Nerlens Noel out, Mitchell Robinson’s first game back, and Taj Gibson had fouled out.
The key for Toppin this season: Increased efficiency. No one is expecting Toppin to suddenly transform into a defensive maestro. We do expect him to be a better shooter than he showed last season.
If Obi Toppin can get his shooting numbers around 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from three, it’s going to do wonders for the team’s 2nd unit.
Opposing benches already have to deal with Derrick Rose, Immanuel Quickley, and Alec Burks, how are they going to deal with a 4th player who can shoot and find their own shot?
Toppin has a lot of the raw tools. For him, it’s about slowing down and letting the game come to him. He has the burst and wingspan to score around people, he just needs to keep refining the technical components of his game.
He showed some progress on defense last season and if he keeps that up, perhaps Tom Thibodeau will begin to entrust him with more responsibility.
He may not make a big statistical leap but he has plenty of room to cement himself as a consistent contributor on a playoff team.