FILE - In this Feb. 11, 2020, file photo, Dayton's Obi Toppin (1) reacts in the first half in an NCAA college basketball game against Rhode Island in Dayton, Ohio. Toppin was selected to The Associated Press All-America first team, Friday, March 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster, File)
Like manna from heaven, Obi Toppin fell to Leon Rose’s lap at No. 8.
On a day the New York Knicks frantically tried to trade up, fearing Toppin will be gone by the time they pick, it turned out they didn’t need to.
With FSU’s Patrick Williams and Auburn’s Isaac Okoro shaking up all the mock drafts by going fourth and fifth picks, respectively, the set was stage for Toppin to fall all the way to eighth, just like how the Knicks have wanted it.
Toppin, whose game was made in New York playgrounds, was emotional after it hit him that he’s coming home.
“I’m from New York. Me reppin’ my city is amazing. A lot of people pray to be in this position, I’m not going to take it for granted,” an emotional Toppin said. “I promise you that.”
The 22-year old Toppin will come in and inject excitement to a Knicks team looking to make a major turnaround after seven straight seasons of being in the lottery.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo
This post was published on 2020-11-18 21:31
