When the New York Knicks selected Obi Toppin with the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, most wondered why president Leon Rose and Co. elected to pass on a point guard, a position the team desperately needed an upgrade at. However, the Dayton product was always a great prospect, whether the Knicks went with him or not.
Against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game 3 of the pre-season, Toppin recorded a +/- of +16 with 8 points from 4-of-6 shooting. His defense was a bit spotty at times, jumping in front of shooters and biting on fakes, but his athleticism undoubtedly showed its true colors with an electric dunk from the baseline. There’s little doubt that Toppin can become a force for the Knicks on offense immediately, but it’s his defense that raises some questions.
Head coach Tom Thibidoue has prioritized defense, which will force Obi to improve in that area, something he’s excited to do as the Knicks prepare for the regular season to commence.
“I feel really good going into any game with my offensive skills, and I also do with my defensive skills,” the New York Knicks rookie said on a conference call earlier this month. “A lot of people say I don’t play good defense, but I feel like I push myself every single day to get better at what I need to do to be great, and I have great people around me who are helping me with that.
Toppin has plenty to work on, but if his relentless mentality is what elevates him above the rest and takes the fear out of some despite being a 22-year-old rookie. General managers across the league have commended the Knicks for making the selection, and so far, it seems to be paying off.
Toppin ranked third in polling for the projected 2020-21 Rookie of the Year award in NBA.com’s annual survey of GMs. In fact, rival general managers seemed to love the Toppin pick, who actually ranks about No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards in the category.
Regarding long-term potential, GM’s see him as the 7th best player five-years from now from his drat class and ranked fifth in biggest steal.
Toppin, the eighth selection in the draft out of Dayton, is listed third at 18 percent, ahead of No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards of Minnesota (7%).
If the Ossining, NY, native can live up to expectations, the Knicks will have themselves a dominant offensive threat for years to come, a reality they haven’t enjoyed in quite some time.