The New York Knicks head into the 2020-21 NBA season with no championship aspirations but an NBA draft prospect to bring excitement.
Obi Toppin was selected the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
Toppin averaged 20 points last season at Dayton, shot 70 percent from the free-throw line and grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game.
He’s not a defender who can handle bigs down low and often gets thrown off balance when switching to help. As a post up forward, the one issue Toppin could struggle with as a rookie is accumulating charge calls. He plays aggressive with his back to the basket and spins off using his elbow to knock off the defender for the open look.
Despite his explosive dunks and ability to fill the lane correctly, Toppin is another energy guy who has similar tendencies to Julius Randle. An athletic freak of nature by far but can back you down in the post and score.
Lets’s not forget Toppin shot 63 percent from the field and was named the Atlantic 10 Conference player of the Year.
As effective as his field goal percentage was, Toppin will have to adjust his offensive against guys like Anthony Davis, Joel Embid or reigning Defensive Player of the year Giannis Antetokounmpo.
This pick doesn’t guarantee the Knicks will make the playoffs…but it for certain will bring excitement to Madison Square Garden with Toppin put backs dunks or catching an alley-oop from RJ Barett.
The New York Knicks lacked an efficient scorer who can shoot off the dribble. It’s rare to find that type of player out of college which is why the New York native feels he’s the one for the challenge.
Toppin is an exciting player who loves the game and has fun using his strength to score through contact. After selected, Toppin spoke to Malika Andrews during an emotional breakdown.
“I’m from New York…that’s why it’s important. Me reppin my city is amazing. A lot of people pray to be in this position and I’m not gone take it for granted… I promise you that,” via ESPN.
Another piece added to the mix for the Knicks was point guard Immanuel Quickley.
Quickley was selected as the 25th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks traded their 27th and 38th picks away to gain the rights to the Kentucky prospect who fills a void in New York that lacks efficiency at the free-throw line. Quickley shot 92.3% from the free-throw line and can make it difficult for guards on the defensive end.
Click on the next page for Stephen A. Smith’s take and Toppin’s highlights.