NY Knicks: 3 New Year’s Resolutions going into 2022

Obi Toppin must play more minutes for the NY Knicks

If anyone on this team deserves an expanded role and to be featured a bit more in the offense, it’s Obi Toppin.

At times, the Knicks seem to lack an identity on offense except when Toppin is in the game.

You know you’re gonna get out in transition and try to get Obi running at the rim as much as possible.

And he’s just good for the team and fanbase morale as he’s a human highlight reel just waiting to happen.

And for those who might be thinking all he’s good for are flashy dunks, you’re wrong.

Obi is averaging just 15.7 minutes per game this season, yet he’s averaging nearly 9 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist per game.

On a per 36 basis, that would be good for 19.8 points, 2.1 assists, and just shy of 9 rebounds per contest.

Those are borderline All-Star caliber numbers for a modern-day Power Forward if you ask me.

And he’s been tremendous in the pick-and-roll with both Kemba Walker, Alec Burks, and Derrick Rose, and Immanuel Quickley all season.

He’s got synergy brewing amongst all of the primary ballhandlers on the squad.

Now, we all know Obi’s Achilles heel has been his 3-point shooting, which he’s only hitting at a 20% clip this year.

So in no way, shape, or form can the Knicks justify playing Obi over 25 minutes per game because of his shortcomings, but getting him a little bit closer to the 20 to 25-minute range is mandatory.

I can’t help but think back to the game against Washington, for example, where the Wiz were trotting Montrezl Harrell out at Center for 22 minutes of that game.

I was thinking ” Why in the world is Thibs not running Obi and Julius in the frontcourt against that lineup?”

For those who don’t know, ‘Trez’ is like 6-foot-6 on a good day. There’s no size lost on the Knicks’ end.

And…the stats support that the Obi-Julius lineup works.

Sure, you give up a bit on the defensive end, but if both Obi and Julius and running the pick-and-roll as the 4 and 5-man, there aren’t a lot of lineups in the NBA that can stop that offensive onslaught.

Obi also has a +110 net rating when sharing the court with Julius Randle.

It works. Make it happen more.