New York Knicks fans have been wanting to see more of Obi Toppin since he was drafted No. 8 overall in 2020. When Julius Randle missed time at the end of the 2021-22 season after the Knicks were out of play-in range, Toppin stepped up. Unfortunately, the same has happened again to close out the 2022-23 season.
After leaving New York’s win over Miami late in the second quarter on Wednesday, it was announced on Thursday afternoon that Randle would be re-evaluated in two weeks with a sprained left ankle. With Randle out for the rest of the regular season and possibly the playoffs, Toppin’s role has seen a sudden increase.
While Randle had played in every Knicks game up until he got injured, Toppin most recently missed time this season with a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula that he suffered in early December. The 25-year-old high-flyer is averaging 6.3 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 41.8% from the field and 32.7% from three in 14.4 minutes. Those numbers (except his three-point percentage) are down from what they were in 2021-22.
New York picked up Toppin’s fourth-year option earlier this season and he’ll be eligible to sign an extension this summer, but the chances of that happening are slim.
Julius Randle’s sprained ankle means Obi Toppin has increased Knicks role
Obi Toppin’s name was wrapped up in rumors leading up to the trade deadline with the Pacers popping up as a possible landing spot, but he remained on the roster after Feb. 9. Since then, he’s averaged only 5.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 13 minutes.
Between Randle’s durability and his climb back to All-Stardom, Toppin became even more of an afterthought for Tom Thibodeau. It doesn’t help that when Toppin is in the game, he’s misused on the offensive end as a catch-and-shoot scorer in the corner. For a player that’s averaging 32.7% from three, that shouldn’t be the case.
However, with Randle’s availability for the playoffs up in the air, Toppin has the chance to prove himself. While the remaining regular season games are important, New York did itself a big favor by beating Miami with no Randle in the second half. Toppin could shine in the final regular season stretch as he did last year, but if Randle has to miss time in the playoffs, Toppin could make an even stronger case for himself with the offseason looming.
The hope should be that Randle will be back in time to help the Knicks make a playoff push, but if that isn’t what ends up happening, Toppin’s been waiting to have his number called. What better time for a former lottery pick to step up than in the playoffs when everyone’s watching?
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