Former Knicks fan favorite surprisingly receives votes for Sixth Man prediction
It was only a few months ago when New York Knicks fans eagerly awaited to hear Immanuel Quickley’s name called as the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year winner, but instead, it was Malcolm Brogdon’s name they heard. Quickley’s impressive regular season resulted in being the runner-up for the award, which wasn’t too shabby for his third year in the league.
Quickley could be back in a similar position at the end of the 2023-24 season, as he’ll continue to lead the Knicks’ second unit when Jalen Brunson isn’t on the floor.
With the new season around the corner, members of an ESPN panel chose their top-three players to win each of the NBA’s six awards (subscription required). IQ was the only current Knicks player mentioned, and he was tied for the fifth-most points (18) to win Sixth Man of the Year. Chris Paul (42 points), Austin Reaves (30 points), Russell Westbrook (26 points), and Tyler Herro (21 points) were listed above Quickley.
The most interesting player on the Sixth Man list tied with Norman Powell for the eighth-most points, Obi Toppin. New York traded the 25-year-old to Indiana earlier in the summer, and although he’s yet to play in a game for the Pacers, there’s been plenty of hype surrounding his future.
Former Knicks forward Obi Toppin receives votes in ESPN 2023-24 Sixth Man of Year prediction
Keep in mind that because Obi Toppin received votes from an ESPN panel doesn’t mean he will win the actual award in 2023-24, but it’s still intriguing his name was brought up in the first place.
After Toppin was kept in a limited role for his three years with the Knicks, he will thrive in a fast-paced offense led by Tyrese Haliburton. Unlike Tom Thibodeau, Rick Carlisle will manage to utilize Toppin properly rather than delegate him to the corner as a spot-up shooter.
Toppin receiving votes for Sixth Man of the Year can’t be counted out, but it’s likelier his name will appear in Most Improved Player voting, especially if Indiana locks in a top-six seed in the East. He averaged 7.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game in only 15.7 minutes in 2022-23, so the bar is low.
As much as it has hurt Knicks fans to admit, Toppin found the perfect landing spot with the Pacers. New York will get the first look at Indiana on Dec. 30 at Gainbridge FieldHouse, and on Feb. 1, Toppin will make his much-awaited return to Madison Square Garden.
