3 Knicks players that must perform better in December

2: Obi Toppin

Knicks fans love Obi Toppin, and understandably so, but as of late, the 24-year-old has been going through a rough patch. It’s hard to criticize Toppin because he’s being criminally misused and underplayed by Thibodeau even though the front office used a lottery pick on him two years ago.

In order to improve and develop, Toppin needs to spend more time on the court, but thanks to Thibs, that hasn’t happened. Even with Julius Randle playing well offensively this season, New York’s future doesn’t lie in his hands. Fans have seen what Toppin is capable of when he’s given the minutes and he’s proven that he should have an increased role.

Over the last couple of weeks though, Obi’s been struggling offensively. In the Knicks’ last 10 games, he averaged 5.9 points. He’s started to break out of his slump in New York’s last couple of games, but on the team’s five-game road trip, Toppin shot 17.8% from the field. That includes him shooting a combined 0-of-9 in games against Phoenix and Golden State. Because Thibodeau has Toppin on a short leash, Obi can’t afford to make too many mistakes. Hopefully, he’ll have a big month in December.

Perhaps sometime this season, the Knicks will part ways with Thibodeau and will bring in a coach that will better utilize Obi Toppin.