Tom Thibodeau can’t disregard Obi Toppin’s strong push for increased Knicks role

New York Knicks fans that flocked into Madison Square Garden on Friday night were hoping to see another strong preseason win, but what they likely didn’t expect was getting to also watch The Obi Toppin Show live. New York advanced past Indiana, 131-114, behind Toppin’s 24 points.

Yes, it was just the Pacers. Yes, it was just the preseason. However, Toppin’s development has been a point of contention in his first two years in the league. Playing time is key to development, but that’s something that Toppin hasn’t been awarded. In 2020-21, the 24-year-old averaged 11 minutes in 62 games which increased to 17.1 minutes in 72 games this past season. Toppin was allowed increased minutes at the end of last season because Julius Randle was out with a sore quad.

In the 10 games that Toppin started last season, he averaged 20.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 57.1% from the field and 43.6% from the three-point line. Now that he’s entering his third year, many fans would like to see him in the starting lineup, but as long as Julius Randle’s in NYC, that likely won’t happen. But on Friday, Toppin proved that he deserves to see more time on the floor this season, and even Tom Thibodeau can’t deny that.

Knicks fans will riot if Obi Toppin doesn’t receive more playing time in 2022-23

On Monday, Thibodeau said that he’s going to let Obi Toppin be himself.

"“So, I think the more he dunks, the better. I’m not for all the crazy stuff, but he’s gifted, and I don’t want to take his gift away from him.”"

We all know that Obi Toppin can dunk, but it was a nice surprise to see him throw down not one, but four dunks against Indiana. He’s fantastic at running the floor and his efforts were rewarded.

For the “the only thing that Obi can do is dunk” crowd, Toppin’s dunks on Friday aren’t the reason why he should receive more playing time. Sure, watching him throw it down is the definition of entertainment, but he can do more than that.

After not hitting a three in New York’s first preseason game against Detroit, Toppin went 4-for-7 from behind the arc and added three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal to go along with his team-high 24 points.

As mentioned, unless Randle gets off to an absolutely miserable start in the regular season, Toppin won’t be in the starting lineup. Randle’s had an encouraging two outings in the preseason, but if he doesn’t continue to show growth and reverts back to the way that he played last year, only then will Thibodeau feel the pressure to start Toppin.

Thibodeau’s already shut down the idea of playing a lineup that includes both Randle and Toppin, but the coach can’t overlook the fact that Toppin shouldn’t continue to be stashed on the bench this season. The Brooklyn native was a lottery pick two years ago and his talents shouldn’t be wasted by the team that drafted him.

All that fans can ask is for Obi Toppin to receive an increased role in Thibodeau’s rotation this season. It’d not only make Obi better, but it’d make the Knicks better, too.

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