NY Knicks: It’s past time for Obi Toppin to receive a bigger role

The New York Knicks must figure out a way to give Obi Toppin a larger role, whether it means parting ways with the current starting center Julius Randle in the offseason, or using the two on the floor at the same time.

The Brooklyn native’s final stretch of games could potentially decide Randle’s future with the team. The 2020 No. 8 overall pick provides exhilarating energy on offense because he’s a dangerous threat in transition.

If the 3-point shots keep falling for the young power forward, he has the potential to be a very valuable piece in the future for New York.

Obi Toppin is an elite finisher for the New York Knicks, especially in transition

There’s no doubt that the former Dayton Flyer is an elite finisher at the rim. The 2022 Dunk Contest winner is a great pick and roll option for the RJ Barrett, who’s emerged as the lead ball handler for the Knicks as of late.

The fans have been lobbying for Toppin to get more time on the court all season long. When he’s given meaningful minutes, he simply produces.

Toppin’s currently averaging 17.8 points per 36 minutes, while shooting 52.5% from the field. The stat that is even more impressive is that he’s currently shooting over 65% on 2-point field goals.

What currently stands in Toppin’s way of more time on the court is of course Randle, who’s shooting 41.1% from the field. The thing is, though, is that Toppin’s a more effective scorer for New York than Randle.

Obi Toppin has been shooting with confidence for the New York Knicks

The one aspect of Toppin’s game that’s always been a question mark is his ability (or the lack thereof) to shoot the three ball. However, recently, Toppin’s been shooting with confidence for New York.

During a 109-104 win over the Bulls on Monday, he knocked down crucial late game 3-pointers for the Knicks.

In Toppin’s last four games (all wins), he shot 43.8% from behind the arc and 63.3% overall from the field. When he was drafted, fans knew that he had the potential to be consistent from behind the 3-point line, as he shot 39% from deep in his senior season at Dayton.

If he can become a more reliable 3-point shooter, then Toppin will be a dangerous threat on the offensive side of the floor.

Obi Toppin has the potential to be a valuable piece for the New York Knicks

New York selected Toppin as a lottery pick less than two years ago and he’s starting to show that he was worthy of that selection.

The development of his game in recent weeks has been fun to watch. Knicks fans are very excited for what he has in store for the remainder of the season because he’s already shown Tom Thibodeau that he’s capable of spending more time on the court.

Tom Thibodeau’s comments about Knicks prove he’s seen the light

After the New York Knicks held off the Bulls on Monday night, head coach Tom Thibodeau made an interesting insight about the team's younger players.