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3 areas Obi Toppin must improve in for a breakout 2022-23 Knicks season

By Jake Brown

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 02: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks goes to the hoop during the second quarter and draws a foul against Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on April 02, 2022 in New York City. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 02: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks goes to the hoop during the second quarter and draws a foul against Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on April 02, 2022 in New York City. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports) /

Improvement #1: Creating shots for himself and others

Toppin has shown flashes of his shot creation as of late this past season, but it will need to be a consistent part of his game going forward.

Up until recently, he hadn’t been in a position to make plays for himself and his teammates, with him primarily being the recipient of many scoring plays this past season. If he can work on his handle and be able to read what defenses throw his way, the sky is the limit for his potential.

In the last game of the regular season, Toppin put his skills on full display, scoring 42 points while grabbing 10 rebounds in the process.

And with Randle not playing due to injury, Toppin finally got some free reign in the offense, as he pulled off moves that we hadn’t seen earlier in the season. He showcased his spin move along with some impressive moves on the fast break to shake off the defense, shown in the video above.

Toppin changes the dynamic of the team as he likes to get out in transition, which was something the Knicks lacked all year, ranking 29th in pace.

But if he can continue to make plays for himself as well as others, while showing his utmost confidence every time he’s out there on the court, who knows what heights New York could reach when Toppin is paired with youngsters Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.

It’ll be important for Toppin to make this step in the offseason because it will open up the floor for the Knicks and will make opposing defenses guess his next move as he provides a lot of versatility for New York in the frontcourt.

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