The Obi Toppin experiment is formally over. And the decision is disappointment.
After three seasons that had been concurrently thrilling and underwhelming, Toppin, the eighth total decide in 2020, will likely be traded to the Pacers for 2 second-round picks, the Daily News confirmed.
Toppin’s $6.8 million wage will likely be absorbed into Indiana’s cap house, giving the Knicks a commerce exception and monetary flexibility as they nonetheless attempt to signal Donte DiVincenzo in free company.
Toppin, 25, was the primary draft collection of workforce president Leon Rose, and celebrated as an NBA-ready energy ahead after profitable the NCAA’s Player of The Year.
But two hurdles turned not possible to beat: 1) he performed behind Julius Randle, who emerged as an All-Star in Toppin’s rookie season, and a couple of) Toppin’s lax protection and rebounding was a hindrance to an elevated function, particularly in Tom Thibodeau’s system.
As The News reported, Toppin turned more and more annoyed by his lack of taking part in time. He acquired right into a heated argument with assistant coach Rick Brunson throughout an everyday season recreation in Philly, then one other verbal spat with Thibodeau after a playoff loss in Miami, as first reported in The Athletic.
Audio of the Thibodeau incident — which occurred in and across the locker room — was allegedly leaked on-line months later. Although solely Toppin’s voice could possibly be discerned within the grainy audio, a supply stated Thibodeau was additionally aggressive throughout the argument.
Perhaps most necessary, nonetheless, is that Toppin is eligible for an extension this summer season and will hit free company in 2024. The circumstances referred to as for a change. But the return compensation — two future second-round picks — is disappointing for a former lottery decide.
The transfer ought to assist Toppin, who’s represented by CAA and Leon Rose’s son, Sam. Not solely are the Pacers nonetheless geared towards a youthful rebuild with alternatives for prolonged minutes, their uptempo model beneath Rick Carlisle is best fitted to Toppin’s strengths within the open courtroom.
The transfer additionally represents the Knicks continued dedication to Randle, whose All-Star common season was adopted by an unpleasant postseason and bouts of lackadaisical effort.
Toppin, who received the 2022 Slam Dunk contest, averaged seven factors in 201 video games over three seasons in New York. The Knicks now have to discover a alternative at backup ahead with no apparent candidate on the roster.
After the draft final month, the Knicks signed Toppin’s brother, Jacob, to a two-way contract. Jacob Toppin is anticipated to play for the Knicks in Summer League however scouts query whether or not he’s an NBA participant.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com