Daily Knicks
Fansided

NY Knicks: 3 reasons why Obi Toppin should start next season

By Zachary Bachar

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 27: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 27: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

1: Expected improvement with a legitimate point guard

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Toppin’s breakout sophomore campaign is that he’s taking major developmental strides without an experienced point guard.

Quickley has improved his passing but still averages just 3.2 assists per game, Derrick Rose has missed most of the year with injuries, and Randle leads the team in dimes but hardly ever shares the floor with Toppin. As a team, the Knicks rank dead last in the NBA in assists per game.

Given his propensity for off-ball movement and well-timed cuts to the basket, it makes sense that the former Dayton star would thrive alongside an elite passer. There’s a reason why Toppin performed much better after the New York-Rose trade.

While Rose’s age and health may prevent him from being a full-time starting point guard, one potential target would be Mavericks unrestricted free agent Jalen Brunson.

He’s averaging 4.9 assists per game this year despite playing with a ball-dominant superstar in Luka Doncic. In 17 games without Doncic, Brunson’s averaging 7.5 assists on a nightly basis.

It’s also worth mentioning that he’s represented by agent Sam Rose, the son of Knicks Team President Leon Rose.

Acquiring an excellent passer such as Brunson in a sign-and-trade scenario could truly unlock Toppin’s game to the point where he’d be a candidate for the Most Improved Player award.

Home/Knicks News