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3 Players Thibodeau must be more open-minded with in Knicks playoff run

By Jordanna Clark

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1: Obi Toppin

Obi Toppin could wind up having a much larger impact on New York’s first-round series than expected. Julius Randle’s status is still up in the air, meaning that if he misses a game or two (hopefully not the whole series), the Knicks will turn to Toppin.

Although it’ll be tough without Randle if he is sidelined, the good news is that there was a lot to like about how Thibodeau used Toppin to close out the regular season. He wasn’t delegated to being a spot-up shooter, which is a criminal misuse of Toppin’s talents. It would be great if Thibodeau used Toppin in the same way in the playoffs.

In the five games that he started after Randle got hurt, Toppin averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals. He was running the floor (his specialty) and his energy was a huge boost during the final regular season stretch. Those two things will help the Knicks tremendously in the playoffs, even if he does come off the bench.

It isn’t a matter of if Toppin is capable of playing big minutes, it’s a matter of if Thibodeau is willing to play him big minutes. Play to Obi’s strengths and good things are certain to follow.

Hopefully, fans will get to see Toppin help bolster New York’s bench against Cleveland. If he does end up playing a bigger role than that, the Knicks shouldn’t be counted out.

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