Daily Knicks
Fansided

3 Knicks decisions Tom Thibodeau must make after Julius Randle injury

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks walks after getting injured during the second quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 2023 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks walks after getting injured during the second quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 2023 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
New York Knicks, Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

1: Obi Toppin’s role

There isn’t anything good about Julius Randle’s injury, but at least fans can look forward to seeing more Obi Toppin. He’s dealt with a couple of injuries himself this season and with Randle being sidelined, it’s Toppin’s time to shine.

He’ll be eligible to sign an extension this summer, but that’s something that’s very difficult to see happening. It seems far likelier that Toppin could be playing his final stretch of games as a Knick, but he could turn some heads, especially if Randle has to miss time in the playoffs, too.

Now’s the time for Thibodeau to not continue to put Obi in the corner to act as a shooter, which is something that even surprised Kevin Love. Toppin can hit threes, but he isn’t a three-point shooter. If Thibs could use Obi in the way that he uses Randle, New York would benefit. Use his explosiveness and throw him into a few pick-and-rolls. Let him do what he does best.

Toppin’s averaging only 2.8 rebounds per game in comparison to Randle’s 10. It would be nice to see Obi make more of an impact on the boards to make up for Randle’s absence as well. The Knicks are going to need it.

Knicks fans want to see Obi be great, and now’s a perfect chance for him to do just that.

Home/Knicks News