Obi Toppin, a former first-round pick of the New York Knicks, is now facing his former team as he competes in the Eastern Conference semifinals with the Indiana Pacers. Toppin, who hails from Westchester and attended Dayton, is not approaching this matchup as a personal battle but rather as an opportunity to play his role and contribute to his team’s success. He is focused on following the coaches’ instructions and performing both offensively and defensively to the best of his abilities.
Despite being traded by the Knicks last summer for future second-round picks, Toppin had a solid season with the Pacers. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and minutes. He also improved his shooting percentages, including a 40.3 percent rate from behind the arc. Toppin’s recent performance in the closeout victory over the Milwaukee Bucks showcased his skills as he put up 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. While he started 28 games for the Pacers, Toppin has become a key player in their second unit, a role similar to the one he had with the Knicks for three years.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged Toppin’s talent and athleticism, emphasizing his scoring ability, shooting, and running the floor. He mentioned that Toppin was behind Julius Randle in the Knicks’ lineup, which led to the decision to trade him to the Pacers. With Randle out for the season due to shoulder surgery, Toppin will not only face his former team but also have the opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage. Thibodeau expressed his appreciation for Toppin’s time with the Knicks and recognized his potential as a player.
In addition to the on-court dynamics, the series between the Pacers and the Knicks will bring a family connection into play for Obi Toppin. His younger brother, Jacob, is part of the Knicks’ roster, although he has seen limited playing time this season. With Jacob not heavily involved in the games, Toppin’s parents, Roni and Obadiah, may find it easier to support their son Obi during the series. Toppin humorously acknowledged this potential family conflict, noting that since Jacob is not playing much, his parents will likely be rooting for him during the games.
As Obi Toppin prepares to face his former team in the Eastern Conference semifinals, he remains focused on his role with the Pacers and the team’s overall success. While the matchup against the Knicks may hold personal significance for Toppin, he is approaching it as another game where he needs to execute the game plan set out by the coaches. With his strong performances throughout the season and his improvement in various aspects of his game, Toppin is ready to make an impact on the court and help the Pacers advance in the playoffs. This series not only highlights Toppin’s journey in the NBA but also adds an interesting family dynamic with his brother playing for the opposing team.
