Obi Toppin is suddenly one of the New York Knicks’ most valuable players
By Adam Kester
We’re almost a quarter through the regular season and It’s been difficult to pinpoint just exactly where the New York Knicks stand in the Eastern Conference.
Every week there’s a crushing loss to a bottom-dwelling team and a triumphant victory over one of the best teams in the league. A gigantic lead squandered and a dramatic comeback.
The inconsistency shows up in some of the individual player stats as well — It seems as though every week, a different player has caught fire or gone ice cold.
Yet through all of these inconsistencies, there has been something brewing that is impossible to ignore. Obi Toppin has developed into one of the most unique young weapons in the NBA.
Obi Toppin has emerged for the New York Knicks
Obi Toppin’s unnatural fit with the Knicks has been written about many times. A player who plays the same position as the team’s star, Julius Randle. A player who thrives in transition yet plays for a slower-paced team. A player who came into the league as a raw defensive prospect and is playing for a head coach in Tom Thibodeau who will throw you his doghouse for lackluster defense.
Yet here we are towards the end of November 2021 and Obi Toppin has suddenly become a key part of the team’s rotation and gameplan.
His uniqueness, his contrast to every other player on the team, has made him invaluable to their success. Defenses are never prepared for Obi Toppin.
This may sound like hyperbole for a role player, but Toppin’s impact has shown up in every inch of the court.