Transferred by the Knicks to the Pacers, Obi Toppin leaves New York after three frustrating seasons where his spectacular actions could not make up for his low playing time and lack of impact. Clearly, the former Dayton player never found his place in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.
“It was obviously a dream to play at Madison Square Garden and wear the Knicks jersey,” he explains at the Indy Star. “There have been great players, great coaches here, everyone has been incredible. I didn’t get the minutes I wanted, but now it’s a fresh start. I’m in Indiana and I’m going to work to get what I want. »
Because if Obi Toppin missed opportunities at the Knicks, notably barred by Julius Randle, he does not arrive at the Pacers with assured and consistent playing time. Indiana has just drafted a strong interior, Jarace Walker, who has just shone in the Summer League, while Jalen Smith is still there and Aaron Nesmith and Jordan Nwora helped out on the strong wing position at the end of the season.
“We’re not going to give me anything. You will have to work. When the opportunities come, it will be fun,” already announces the player. “Our group has been much more competitive for a few weeks”, remarks Rick Carlisle. “Competition brings out the best in everyone. That’s how we see things. Players will have their chances for minutes. With Walker, Toppin and Nwora, we have three players who can play strong winger. Nesmith can help too. »
An explosive and efficient player near the circle, Obi Toppin could well enjoy having a passer like Tyrese Haliburton at his side and in an unbridled style like that of Indiana, who loves counter-attacks and rhythm.
“We want to play fast and that suits him. He has great athletic qualities. analyzes the coach of the Pacers. “It’s no secret, everyone knows what I can do on the court: run, bring energy”, adds the former Knicks. “The group is young, and it’s one of the fastest in the league, if not the fastest. So yeah, I can’t wait to get in there and do some dunks. »
| Obi Toppin | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2020-21 | NYK | 62 | 11 | 49.8 | 30.6 | 73.1 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 4.1 |
| 2021-22 | NYK | 72 | 17 | 53.1 | 30.8 | 75.8 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 9.0 |
| 2022-23 | NYK | 67 | 16 | 44.6 | 34.4 | 80.9 | 0.4 | 2.4 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 7.4 |
| Total | 201 | 15 | 49.2 | 32.5 | 76.6 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 7.0 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
