The New York Knicks had their season ended by Obi Toppin. Sure, it wasn't just the Pacers' bench forward doing the season-ending, but he was a part of it.
And now, as the Knicks watch the NBA Finals from home, Toppin has taken on a huge role.
It has to be bittersweet for New York fans, who were pumped to draft Toppin eighth overall in 2020 out of Dayton.
But after Toppin never quite fit, the Knicks traded him away for almost nothing. And now, Toppin has a chance to be an NBA champion.
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Knicks-Pacers Obi Toppin trade details
On July 7, 2023, the Knicks and Pacers agreed to an Obi Toppin trade:
- Pacers get: Obi Toppin
- Knicks get: 2028 2nd-round pick, 2029 2nd-round pick
More often than not, second-round picks turn into nothing useful. That'll be especially true if the Pacers are still good in those years and the selections come near the very end of the draft.
For Toppin to still be with the Knicks this season, he would've had to sign an extension at the end of his rookie contract, which is what the Pacers did in July 2024.
Instead, New York sent his mixture of shooting talent and freakish athleticism to a conference rival.
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Obi Toppin Knicks stats
Obi Toppin played three seasons with the Knicks.
Out of 201 appearances, only 15 were starts. He got just 14.7 minutes per night.
In his Knicks career, Toppin averaged 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. His best averages were 9.0-3.7 in his second season.
Toppin shot just 30% from 3 in each of his first two seasons, but he showed growth in his third year at 34.4% from deep.
Obi Toppin Pacers stats
Obi Toppin started 28 games in his first season in Indiana, averaging 10.3 points per game and shooting 40.3% from 3.
This season, he has played about two minutes less per game but actually raised his scoring average to 10.5 points per game. His shooting stayed at a still-solid 36.5% from distance.
In the Finals, Toppin has become just the second bench player in league history to score 70 points, grab 30 rebounds and make 12 3-pointers, joining Robert Horry.
Indiana gave Toppin greater opportunity, and he has seized his chance.
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