The New and Improved On Topic Obi Toppin Thread

[rollo]

Van Gundy isn’t coaching for a reason. Once he’s on my side, opportunities will be there. Until then, no Roundtable for him!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Radar]

Originally Posted by rollo Fornier blows away the idea that Coach T is a defense 1st coach. Which makes the Obi playing time thing crazier. Posted via Mobile Device

You can add Nerlens Noel to that list. He runs around like he's playing Frogger...run, jump, run, jump. Couldn't guard a lamp post.

[Medford]

Originally Posted by rollo Van Gundy isn’t coaching for a reason. Once he’s on my side, opportunities will be there. Until then, no Roundtable for him! Posted via Mobile Device

Remind me again where you are coaching at the moment? Perhaps when you are King you don't need the work


As an aside, I heard someone mention that a Jeff and Stan Van Gundy type setup similar to what the Manning brothers have done on Monday night could be very enjoyable. I'd have to agree, neither have ever been known for holding back their feelings; could make for an enjoyable side bar during some NBA playoff games.

[superfan99]

Originally Posted by Medford The main difference, and Van Gundy pointed this out in the 4th quarter, is the 2nd unit moves the ball around on offense. Its not all 1 on 1 and forced shots, there was a lot of pick and rolls, pick and pops, 2-3 passes leading to a good shot (Cam Reddish was the main exception on the 2nd unit as he forced the issue several times and took some terrible shots when his athleticism couldn't get him a clean look). And shocker of all shockers, Van Gundy, a relatively successful NBA head coach, even brought up the +/- numbers for the starters vs the bench; he must not follow our King

I loved that Van Gundy talked about this. IMO Obi's unselfishness, quick ball movement, and even cuts/motion on offense make everyone he plays with better. It did big time at Dayton (Mikesell, Landers, etc) and still does in the NBA. The ball movement is contagious, just like the lack of ball movement is also contagious because everyone wants to jack up a shot when they finally touch the ball when nobody is passing. Great part of Obi's game and I believe a big reason why the +/- is so good for Obi.

[rollo]

Originally Posted by Medford Remind me again where you are coaching at the moment? Perhaps when you are King you don't need the work

I'd love to be coaching right now, I'm too busy teaching my minions how to ref... and it's more than a full-time job! Which just proves that even the best instructors are struggling with this remote learning stuff. Or maybe it's my students who are the problem.

[Figgie123]

Originally Posted by rollo Or maybe it's my students who are the problem.

No, it's definitely not that.

[frisco flyer]

Originally Posted by rollo I'd love to be coaching right now, I'm too busy teaching my minions how to ref... and it's more than a full-time job! Which just proves that even the best instructors are struggling with this remote learning stuff. Or maybe it's my students who are the problem.

It also proves that Refs suck!

[rollo]

Until he bends the knee, Sir Frisco is being demoted to the 3rd grade girls league. But don't worry Sir F...you're in good UDPride territory*!

[Gazoo]

"New York’s starting lineup of Fournier, Robinson, Kemba Walker, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett has been outscored by 114 points this season, which is the worst of any lineup in the NBA."

I don't think this is correct. It must be false. I looked at the stats. Barrett is averaging 17 PPG, Randall is averaging 19 PPG, Walker is averaging 13 PPG, Fournier 13 PPG, and Robinson 8 PPG / 8 RPG / 1.5 BPG.

As long as these guys are scoring points, they MUST be doing well. The author must be wrong. What matters is how many points you score, not how many the other team scores.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/evan-four...162500297.html

[rollo]

Originally Posted by Gazoo "New York’s starting lineup of Fournier, Robinson, Kemba Walker, Julius Randle and RJ Barrett has been outscored by 114 points this season, which is the worst of any lineup in the NBA."

I would have guessed it to be alot higher...like twice that number.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by rollo I would have guessed it to be alot higher...like twice that number.

The Knicks are 23-26, so you would have to assume they occasionally outscore the other team. One might guess it's roughly half the time, if not for the knowledge that the backups do so well.

How could the Knicks starters possibly be worse than Detroit (11-36), Indiana (17-32), Orlando (9-40), Houston (14-34), and OKC (14-33)??


This might imply that if not for the bench, the Knicks might have only won about 10 games.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by Gazoo The Knicks are 23-26, so you would have to assume they occasionally outscore the other team. One might guess it's roughly half the time, if not for the knowledge that the backups do so well. How could the Knicks starters possibly be worse than Detroit (11-36), Indiana (17-32), Orlando (9-40), Houston (14-34), and OKC (14-33)?? This might imply that if not for the bench, the Knicks might have only won about 10 games.

but but but the bench sucks because they only play against the 2nd or 3rd or 4th team so those stats do not count. pay attention Gazoo

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by ClaytonFlyerFan but but but the bench sucks because they only play against the 2nd or 3rd or 4th team so those stats do not count. pay attention Gazoo

That's what I hear.

The more I think about it, let's use an example.

Let's say the starters outscore the other team's starters in only 1/2 their victories by an average of 10 points. So let's say that's 12 games. So they're +120. In the other wins the starters outscore the other team by 5, so that's 11 x 5 = 55. So in their wins they are +175.

In their 26 losses let's say they're getting blown out half the time. Starters are -15 in half their games, and -5 in the other half. So 13 x 15 and 13 x 5 for a total of -270.

-270 + 175 = -95 for the starters. Not far off but it starts to put some logic around it, because then you have to account for the parts of the game where Thibs does something intelligent like playing a starter less because he's having a terrible game. When that happens the starting lineup isn't on the court so it doesn't count for either number (+ or -).

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by Gazoo -270 + 175 = -95 for the starters. Not far off but it starts to put some logic around it, because then you have to account for the parts of the game where Thibs does something intelligent like playing a starter less because he's having a terrible game. When that happens the starting lineup isn't on the court so it doesn't count for either number (+ or -).

Dude stop, I just fell out of my chair laughing at this possibility.

[rollo]

Originally Posted by ClaytonFlyerFan but but but the bench sucks because they only play against the 2nd or 3rd or 4th team so those stats do not count. pay attention Gazoo

FINALLY! CAN I GET AN 'AMEN'? I finally converted a sinner into a royal believer!!!

Effective immediately, Vice King Clayton is being promoted to officiate 4th grade D2 CYO boys. Congratulations...you're learning. Kinda.

[BeckysTXA]

Just under 2 weeks until the trade deadline. Earlier I thought Obi would be part of a trade package. I’ve swung back the other way now...but it’s close. I think the biggest question is will the Knicks fire Thibs? There is so much media and fan social media pounding Thibs for basically refusing to do something about his starting line up. Management-ownership has to hear it and worry if they trade probably the most popular player....especially if you factor in minutes “not” played....and Obi goes on to All-Star status on another team, ownership owns that. Maybe it would be easier to just fire the coach. Earlier that seemed unthinkable because of last year’s results. Now not so much. And that would be a dream situation for Obi, because he loves NY.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by rollo FINALLY! CAN I GET AN 'AMEN'? I finally converted a sinner into a royal believer!!! Effective immediately, Vice King Clayton is being promoted to officiate 4th grade D2 CYO boys. Congratulations...you're learning. Kinda.

Vice King Clayton just fell out of his chair....I hate to deliver this message to the King, but he’s on injured reserve and unavailable for this promotion.

[Medford]

Rumbings have started that the Knicks would be willing to deal Randel for the "right" package. Given his contract, that right contract to me would be anyone willing to eat it.


As constructed, they desperatly need a PG who commands the locker room and a real leader, one who will distribute the ball and make the offense more efficient. I don't see Chris Paul walking thru that door, not sure if any are available. Better perimeter shooting would be a plus. Perhaps Rose returns to form and they can work their way into the playoffs, it just doesn't seem like any sort of playoff run is possible without a major shift in either personal and/or philosophy.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by rollo FINALLY! CAN I GET AN 'AMEN'? I finally converted a sinner into a royal believer!!! .

It is painfully obvious that your ability to detect sarcasm is about as good as Thibs ability to coach a team of greedy bad attitude non defense playing athletes.

[rollo]

Originally Posted by ClaytonFlyerFan but but but the bench sucks because they only play against the 2nd or 3rd or 4th team so those stats do not count. pay attention Gazoo

Originally Posted by rollo FINALLY! CAN I GET AN 'AMEN'? I finally converted a sinner into a royal believer!!! Effective immediately, Vice King Clayton is being promoted to officiate 4th grade D2 CYO boys. Congratulations...you're learning. Kinda.

Originally Posted by ClaytonFlyerFan It is painfully obvious that your ability to detect sarcasm is about as good as Thibs ability to coach a team of greedy bad attitude non defense playing athletes.

Back to 3rd grade girls for you.

[cj]

Why is this thread not in the OTG?

[hawkoooo]

Originally Posted by Marysville Flyer Against weaker completion yes. Better against the starters is highly doubtful. Case in point a few weeks ago against I believe Charlotte, the Hornets had lost the night before so they had their starters in at the beginning of 4th which forced Thib to put his starters in much sooner as the Hornet lead was growing quickly. The backup QB looks real good in a 20 point blowout playing against the other team’s backups. No difference here Posted via Mobile Device

So you haven't watched a game then?

What starter would you pick over what bench player, if setting your own lineup?

	Charlotte CHARLOTTE UNC Charlotte is one of a generation of universities founded in metropolitan areas of the United States immediately after World War II in response to rising education demands generated by the war and its technology. Now a research intensive university, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest of the 16 institutions within the University of North Carolina system and the largest institution in the Charlotte region. The university comprises seven professional colleges and currently offers 18 doctoral programs, 62 master’s degree programs and 90 bachelor’s degrees. More than 900 full-time faculty comprise the university’s academic departments and the 2007 fall enrollment exceeded 22,300 students. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the 49ers.

[Marysville Flyer]

Originally Posted by hawkoooo So you haven't watched a game then? What starter would you pick over what bench player, if setting your own lineup?

Is your reading comprehension really that poor? If you want to misuse stats like +/- and believe Obi’s would be the same if he were a starter that’s fine. That’s the discussion. Trying to justify that he belong in the starting lineup over Randle because he has a higher +/- is flat out lunacy.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi highlights from Friday night's late game:

Oop from IQ: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CypZmn7qMpAAAA

#1 with the hammer: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CyucfJ7qMpAAAA

Obi was pulled literally ten seconds after this dunk.

[Glen Clark]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows . . . Obi was pulled literally ten seconds after this dunk.

Don Donoher did that to Erv Giddngs once . . .

_____________________
Whether your glass is half full or half empty, you still have more to drink

	Don Donoher DON DONOHER Legendary Flyer men's basketball coach who guided Dayton to 435 victories in 25 seasons (1964-1989) including the 1967 NCAA Runner-Up. Took over the program after the passing of Tom Blackburn and earned many NCAA and NIT bids over his career, including five Sweet-16s, one Elite Eight appearance, and the 1968 NIT Championship. Groomed All-Americans Don May and Jim Paxson, along with all-time leading scorer Roosevelt Chapman. Coached UD as they joined conference affiliation for the first time (Midwest Collegiate). A graduate of UD, Donoher played for Blackburn and credits much of his coaching success to his mentor's teachings: defense, ball protection, patience, and unselfishness.

[SeasonTicketFan]

Originally Posted by Glen Clark Don Donoher did that to Erv Giddngs once . . . _____________________ Whether your glass is half full or half empty, you still have more to drink

Very different issue. Dunking was still illegal at the time and as I recall Erv was dunking at the end of the Detroit game. Donoher thought it was poor sportsmanship.

	Don Donoher DON DONOHER Legendary Flyer men's basketball coach who guided Dayton to 435 victories in 25 seasons (1964-1989) including the 1967 NCAA Runner-Up. Took over the program after the passing of Tom Blackburn and earned many NCAA and NIT bids over his career, including five Sweet-16s, one Elite Eight appearance, and the 1968 NIT Championship. Groomed All-Americans Don May and Jim Paxson, along with all-time leading scorer Roosevelt Chapman. Coached UD as they joined conference affiliation for the first time (Midwest Collegiate). A graduate of UD, Donoher played for Blackburn and credits much of his coaching success to his mentor's teachings: defense, ball protection, patience, and unselfishness.

[cj]

I believe Erv was from Detroit as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Obi highlights from Friday night's late game: Oop from IQ: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CypZmn7qMpAAAA #1 with the hammer: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CyucfJ7qMpAAAA Obi was pulled literally ten seconds after this dunk.

Did you notice the caption from The Knicks Wall? "OBI TOPPIN ABOUT TO EARN HIMSELF AN EXTRA 30 SECONDS OF PLAYING TIME"

Ouch. Thiibs has really, really lost the room.

[Glen Clark]

Originally Posted by Glen Clark Don Donoher did that to Erv Giddngs once . . .

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketFan Very different issue. Dunking was still illegal at the time and as I recall Erv was dunking at the end of the Detroit game. Donoher thought it was poor sportsmanship.

I guess you missed the Smiley Face

___________________
You have mistakenly given me the food that my food eats.
Ron Swanson, Parks & Recreation

	Don Donoher DON DONOHER Legendary Flyer men's basketball coach who guided Dayton to 435 victories in 25 seasons (1964-1989) including the 1967 NCAA Runner-Up. Took over the program after the passing of Tom Blackburn and earned many NCAA and NIT bids over his career, including five Sweet-16s, one Elite Eight appearance, and the 1968 NIT Championship. Groomed All-Americans Don May and Jim Paxson, along with all-time leading scorer Roosevelt Chapman. Coached UD as they joined conference affiliation for the first time (Midwest Collegiate). A graduate of UD, Donoher played for Blackburn and credits much of his coaching success to his mentor's teachings: defense, ball protection, patience, and unselfishness.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi was active in his 7 1H minutes tonight! He drove to the hoop for a deuce:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Csnay4yacpAAAA

Called for and, amazingly enuf, got an alley oop that he finished:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CsqbX0yacpAAAA

4 points, 3 boards and an assist.

Obi finished with 14 points on 6-8 shooting, 4 boards 2 dimes and a block. Some highlights:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Cp9frb0qcpAAAA

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CpvYaz06cpAAAA

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...42432718725124

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CpifrB1KcpAAAA

[TheDuke2003]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Obi highlights from Friday night's late game: Oop from IQ: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CypZmn7qMpAAAA #1 with the hammer: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CyucfJ7qMpAAAA Obi was pulled literally ten seconds after this dunk.

Thibs probably admonished him for not passing it to Robinson who had inside position on his man for a layup

[flyerfanatic86]

Obi has been so good the past few games. It feels like the dam is going to break for him soon when it comes to minutes.

[flyerfever]

Obi appeared to be gliding last night

[CvilleFlyer]

Originally Posted by TheDuke2003 Thibs probably admonished him for not passing it to Robinson who had inside position on his man for a layup

Doesn't even begin to even out all the times in the past where some of his teammates selfishly took their own shots when they could have passed to a wide open Obi! If he is interested in getting more minutes like we know he should he may have to be a little bit selfish and that dunk was a good example! Robinson may have missed the bunny or the defender may have tipped the ball away. Thibs may not be coaching for the long term in New York!

[Chris R]

Knicks fans haven't been able to tolerate Thibs decisions all year so its not a Flyer fan bias. He's scorched every post-game on social media and the blogs for sticking with the same plan on a sub .500 team hoping things magically improve.

About the only move he's made has been giving Grimes more PT. Gonna take more coaching adjustments than that.

[Gazoo]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/tom-thi...101118536.html


Thibs "having trouble getting Randall to play with selflessness." Huh. Ya don't say.

Also:
Julius Randle is more likely to score fewer than 10 points (7) than more than 30 points (5) this season.

He has more digits on his new contract (9) than games with better than 50% FG% (6) this season.

[SeasonTicketFan]

More from the rumor mill.
Both teams dumping players but would move Obi to the starting lineup.

Interesting speculation. Zero chance of happening.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba...?ocid=msedgntp

[Medford]

Didn't see this posted, but last night I saw that Obi is going to be in the slam dunk competition again.


https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2...o-participate/

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi and the NYK face off vs. the Grizzlies at 7:30 pm EST tonight on ESPN. Perfect pre-game warmup for the Flyers/VCU main event at 9:00 pm.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by rollo FINALLY! CAN I GET AN 'AMEN'? I finally converted a sinner into a royal believer!!! Effective immediately, Vice King Clayton is being promoted to officiate 4th grade D2 CYO boys. Congratulations...you're learning. Kinda.

Originally Posted by Medford Didn't see this posted, but last night I saw that Obi is going to be in the slam dunk competition again. https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2...o-participate/

And he will be the only Knick representing at this years event. Great chance to win it just like last year.

[Flyer 86]

A TRUE Flyer double header tonight!
Can't wait

[Swampy Meadows]

In 6 1H minutes Obi was 0-2 from three and grabbed 4 boards.

Obi's one and only highlight from the 2H: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Cjlam4nKopAAAA

[San Diego Flyer]

It was painful to watch Obi trying in vane find his place in the Knicks "so-called" offense.
Such a pitiful waste of talent. He has the look of a player who has lost his way, thanks to Thibs pathetic use of talent.

[Swampy Meadows]

It's another Flyers/Knicks doubleheader, as the NYK will face the Lakers on ABC at 8:30 pm EST.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi missed a trey then drove to the hoop and got fouled but missed both FTs. Later #1 missed on a layup, got his own rebound, missed again, got another board and finally cleaned it up. 3 shots and 2 rebounds in one play!

https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/...C-9ZjLia4pAAAA

Soon after he drove to the hole for a nice deuce:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CytaWliq4pAAAA

[Swampy Meadows]

NYK playing the Denver Nuggets and old friend Bones Hyland. Obi opened up the 2Q with this rim run:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DU7crO-bEpAAAA

And then made 1-2 FTs. He then drove again for the hoop and the harm:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DU1ejt-bEpAAAA

Obi oop from RJ: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DR1YbC-rEpAAAA

In 6 1H minutes, Obi hit for 8 points on 3-5 shooting.

The NYK gave up 83 points in the 1H. I'm going to bed.

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows NYK playing the Denver Nuggets and old friend Bones Hyland. Obi opened up the 2Q with this rim run: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DU7crO-bEpAAAA And then made 1-2 FTs. He then drove again for the hoop and the harm: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DU1ejt-bEpAAAA Obi oop from RJ: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DR1YbC-rEpAAAA In 6 1H minutes, Obi hit for 8 points on 3-5 shooting. The NYK gave up 83 points in the 1H. I'm going to bed.

Too bad Obi’s such a horrible defender, that he can’t get more playing time.

Oh, wait…

Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

All that was missed in the 2H was this Obi three:

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheKnicks...61420457316359

That and RJ Barrett getting hurt with less than a minute to play in a blowout. Way to go, Thibs.
Posted via Mobile Device

[rollo]

The NBA trade deadline ends in 15 min and it appears Obi's situation or team won't be changing any time soon.

[AZFlyer85]

Originally Posted by rollo The NBA trade deadline ends in 15 min and it appears Obi's situation or team won't be changing any time soon.

Totally sucks for Obi and his fans. Coach Thibs is a moron.

FREE OBI TOPPIN!

[AZFlyer85]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows All that was missed in the 2H was this Obi three: https://mobile.twitter.com/TheKnicks...61420457316359 That and RJ Barrett getting hurt with less than a minute to play in a blowout. Way to go, Thibs. Posted via Mobile Device

Thibs is a moron - Obi needs a change of scenery, even if its a bottom feeder like Detroit

[frisco flyer]

What if the ownership/GM won’t let Thibs trade Obi?
Maybe they have a better solution in mind!

[Glen Clark]

Originally Posted by frisco flyer What if the ownership/GM won’t let Thibs trade Obi? Maybe they have a better solution in mind!

Trade Thibs?

_____________________
Whether your glass is half full or half empty, you still have more to drink

[Swampy Meadows]

The NYK beat Steph and the GS Warriors by 2 last night. Obi was 1-6 for 3 points and had 4 boards.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi had 3 points in the 1H, including this oop:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DS8YirzLkpAAAA

In the 2H Obi scored 2 more buckets, including this layup off an IQ feed:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CsweyN1LkpAAAA

[Swampy Meadows]

The NYK are spanking the shorthanded Nets, so hopefully that means more PT for our boy. Obi missed a triple but scored on a high/lo play from Alec Burks. He then scooped and scored: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...21309244174338

And dunked: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Cz1biFmLwpAAAA

And made 2 FTs for 8 points in 7 1H minutes.

Obi missed a three, Thibs calls a TO and I bet he's coming out. Nope...he waits :30 then takes him out.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

So much for the spanking as Randle left his shot sitting on the bottom shelf of his locker at halftime, right next to his defense that has as usual been non existent in the second half. Nets up two with 4 minutes to go.

Hell of a second half coaching job Thibs.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Obi missed a three, Thibs calls a TO and I bet he's coming out. Nope...he waits :30 then takes him out.

Yeah I think it’s a rule...or should I say mandate. Good, bad, ugly play. It doesn’t matter but you gotta wait 30 secs before pulling Obi.

[Swampy Meadows]

Originally Posted by ClaytonFlyerFan So much for the spanking as Randle left his shot sitting on the bottom shelf of his locker at halftime, right next to his defense that has as usual been non existent in the second half. Nets up two with 4 minutes to go. Hell of a second half coaching job Thibs.

Well they were spanking them—up 28 points—when I typed that. Stephen A Smith went absolutely ballistic about Thibs after this loss:

https://mobile.twitter.com/stephenas...54725981241344

Not a fan of Screamin’ Stephen but he ain’t wrong.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Ready Action]

Well I guess after the All-Star break we’ll see if Thibs is a man of his words.

https://sny.tv/articles/confidence-t...-square-garden

Thibodeau hinted after the game that he may start to play the young players over the veterans after the All-Star break.

“You try to get some sort of rhythm and consistency and that's what we've been lacking. Everything's on the table now, it has to be," he said. "It's got to be merit-based, it has to be. I'm not just going to give minutes to give minutes.”

“We've got a young team that can get better and that's where we have to concentrate. Get these guys better," said the head coach. "Look, (Mitchell Robinson’s) development, (RJ Barrett's) development, (Quentin Grimes’) development, (Immanuel Quickley), Obi (Toppin) - that's where our focus is, right, and Julius (Randle) is still young and can still grow.“
Posted via Mobile Device

[Medford]

Last night's game was the perfect companion to this article written sometime shortly before last nights game. In fact, I was reading it as the Knicks collapse was in full tilt.


https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/k...-against-nets/


Note: The headline was edited to account for last night's collapse, but the bulk of the article was posted either before (most likely) or sometime during last night's game which makes the collapse vs the nets all that more ironic.

[Swampy Meadows]

The Ringer has a piece up entitled "The Seven Biggest Questions Heading Into 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend" and one of them concerns the dunk contest:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/2...ontest-preview

Here's the good part:

Toppin’s back for another crack at the crown, and while it would be fun to see the Knicks power forward/transition gazelle flex his muscles en route to dunk contest glory …honestly, at this point, I’d probably be fine with him just using his allotted court time to handle the ball, dribble into pull-up jumpers and floaters, and generally just enjoy the feeling of security that Tom Thibodeau won’t be yanking him out after five minutes to let Taj Gibson dunk in his place.

[Swampy Meadows]

Pre-Dunk Contest hype video:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...C-ifO7nb4pAAAA

[Medford]

Best comment I've seen in a long while


Someone said he would have to jump over Giannis for a dunk to win this year.


Someone else responded "if he dunks over Thibs, he wins"

[Swampy Meadows]

They are starting out with the Skills Competition and one of the 3 man teams is the Antetokounmpo brothers--Giannis, Thanasis and Alex. Sucks that Kostas is playing overseas so he isn't available.

[podcast411]

They had the worst - Eye Bleeding - segment with Steph Curry and his wife - and a drinking game. I just heard next year they will have Lebron and his wife playing Charades. Who approved that crap.

[Swampy Meadows]

When Obi was introduced they mentioned "from the University of Dayton."

I like that.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi crashed and burned on his first attempt. Missed his second. Went behind the back and jumped over a guy for 44 points, which puts him temporarily in first. Jalen Green got multiple attempts in the first round and finally made one. 38 points.

Green got 45 on his second round slam. Cole Anthony missed once, twice, three times and got a 30 which means he's out. Juan Toscano-Anderson got 43. Obi threw off the glass, went between his legs for a 46. It's Toppin and Toscano-Anderson in the finals.

Toscano-Anderson got a 39 on his initial effort in the finals. Obi missed his first try and his second; threw it off the board and between the-legs windmilled for a 45. Anderson missed three times and got a 30.

Obi did a bank dunk which was kinda cool. Got 47.

Obi is your new NBA Dunk Champ.

[Ready Action]

Congrats to Obi as being the 3rd Knicks player to win the dunk contest! Now come on Thibs give the horse more burn 😀.
Posted via Mobile Device

[udflyerhoops2]

I think he's just ****y because he remembers the last time his Marquette team was at the arena. Old wounds...eh?

[The Fly]

Originally Posted by udflyerhoops2 I think he's just ****y because he remembers the last time his Marquette team was at the arena. Old wounds...eh?

Yeah, what a jerk Wade was. As for the competition, there was as much buzz in that building as at your typical Fordham/LaSalle blood match. I hope Obi retires as a champ and skips it from this point forward. It’s become passé.

	Fordham FORDHAM Fordham University is an independent Jesuit university established in 1841 as St. John's College on old Rose Hill Manor in the village of Fordham, then part of Westchester County in the Bronx, NY. The name Fordham is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words "ford" and "ham," meaning a wading place or ford by a settlement. Rose Hill is the name given to the site in 1787 by Robert Watts, a wealthy New York merchant, in honor of his family's ancestral home of the same name in Scotland. The College was originally staffed by diocesan clergy. The name was officially changed to Fordham University in 1907. Fordham's 10 schools enroll 14,448 students. There are 7,652 undergraduates, of whom 3,842 live in University-managed housing either on-campus or in the local community. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams. Athletic claim to fame is consistent mediocrity in nearly all sports and few A10 title winning programs.

	LaSalle LA SALLE In 1863, La Salle University was established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Christian Brothers teaching order, which De La Salle founded 300 years ago. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle is an educational community shaped by traditional Catholic and Lasallian values. La Salle's main campus is an ideal place for students to pursue an education. The 130-acre park-like setting includes 54 buildings and is located approximately six miles from Center City Philadelphia. The University can accommodate 2,114 resident students in its 12 residence halls, two apartment complexes, and 75 townhouses. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Explorers. Notable athletes include Tom Gola and Lionel Simmons.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

I kept expecting Thibs to send Randle in to attempt the last dunk for Obi.

[podcast411]

If you look at all the dunk attempts that was more than Obi has had in any games this year except for the ones Randle was out of.

[Ready Action]

+ YouTube Video

[IMG]

[BeckysTXA]

Season isn’t over yet, but Obi is probably the most positive part of the Knicks season so far even if Thibs has limited his opportunities. Let’s hope Thibs does what he said he was going to do after the All-Star break and start investing court time in the younger guys.

[podcast411]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA Season isn’t over yet, but Obi is probably the most positive part of the Knicks season so far even if Thibs has limited his opportunities. Let’s hope Thibs does what he said he was going to do after the All-Star break and start investing court time in the younger guys.

Take this with a big grain of Salt - but a friend (podcaster/blogger) in NYC - says Owner is telling Thibs young players are to get X minutes per game min and Thibs is pushing Back - he might be gone Monday. Again take with big grain of salt.

[FlyingArrow]

Glad Obi won, but Wade wasn't wrong. That whole contest was a 6. Right afterward, I watched the 2016 contest highlights again (Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine). 6 straight 50s between them. And every one of those 6 dunks was better than anything by anyone in this year's contest. I imagine Obi could've done a 50 on the last one if he'd taken a risk, but he didn't need to.

I hope he does come back and win another one - this time with some 50s. Regardless, his in-game dunks are what are setting him apart.

[zmz723]

Obi dunks were good but overall that dunk contest was awful.

Originally Posted by FlyingArrow Right afterward, I watched the 2016 contest highlights again (Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine). 6 straight 50s between them. And every one of those 6 dunks was better than anything by anyone in this year's contest. I imagine Obi could've done a 50 on the last one if he'd taken a risk, but he didn't need to. .

We also went to youtube and put on the 2016 dunk contest with Gordon and Lavine...Those dunks were unbelievable

[Medford]

Congrats to Obi, but that dunk contest was boring. Banners fly forever!!!! Really can't fault Obi for the lack of excitement, I think the constant missed attempts just drained the energy out of the building. How many attempts did the one dude (I think from Houston) get? How much time did Cole Anthony waste putting on Timberlands then failing to miss dunks before getting something that was way sub par (by dunk contest standards go). Worst part is, the average person in America can't appreciate how much harder it is to dunk in timberlands because they couldn't dunk on the moon (present company included ). Heck, most of the people in the crowd probably didn't even realize it. Heck the one young kid from Houston I think, put on some chain, then handed it to Dr J or perhaps one of the other judges while he dunked; like what was the point of that? Just wasted time.


They have turned the dunk contest into something that the players feel like they need to do something more than an incredible dunk to get the attention of people. The old rebook pump thing that worked so well many many years ago worked because it was simple and the shoes were new and still kind of exciting. They were already on his feet, he just bent over, pumped up each shoe for effect (I think the player was from Boston IIRC) then proceeded to nail his dunk.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by podcast411 Take this with a big grain of Salt - but a friend (podcaster/blogger) in NYC - says Owner is telling Thibs young players are to get X minutes per game min and Thibs is pushing Back - he might be gone Monday. Again take with big grain of salt.

I tend to think owners should not get too involved with coaching/game planning. But there are exceptions and there is a point in pro sports where an owner has to ask is this HC helping my bottom line and giving the best return on my investment. Thibs is not. He’s basically made one line up change when he benched Kemba. And they are not getting better. The players getting the minutes are not working and they have had plenty of opportunities. So I cant fault the owner if this was the directive. He has to figure out what he’s got from the bench against the other starting line ups in the league. Is there enough young talent to build on in the off-season? It doesn’t mean they will win more games this year. It means the owner has to figure out what he’s got and what he needs to clear out in the off-season.

[Swampy Meadows]

The Ringer reviews the All-Star Weekend:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/2...t-lebron-james

And has this to say about Obi:

Seriously: Obi Toppin went behind the back over a dude, and did a dunk I’ve literally never seen before: https://twitter.com/stevejones20/sta...46463240183814

and everyone’s bummed.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi and the NYK are on ESPN tonight.

ICYMI, I posted a link to this article by UD grad Steve Bulpett in the latest “FTS” saying Thibs needs a miracle to survive:

https://heavy.com/sports/new-york-kn...u-coach-fired/
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

#1 got 8 1H minutes, scored 3 points and was an atypical -14.

[Swampy Meadows]

Hey, Obi and Randle playing together...what a concept! Well, for a minute anyway.

Obi missed a trey and then threw a bullet pass OB. RJ Barrett tried a high/low pass to Obi but underthrew it. And then he sat. 3 points, 2 boards and an awful -21. Ugghhh.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Hey, Obi and Randle playing together...what a concept! Well, for a minute anyway. Obi missed a trey and then threw a bullet pass OB. RJ Barrett tried a high/low pass to Obi but underthrew it. And then he sat. 3 points, 2 boards and an awful -21. Ugghhh.

So what is this...the 3rd bad game Obi has had this year. Maybe #4? They have been few and far between. I would say you take this level of consistency everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi got 16 minutes, about half of those alongside Randle, due to NYK bigs' foul trouble. He scored 6 and grabbed 2 boards, but spent most of his time camped in the corner.

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...30237271080961

https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/1498007091918913543

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi and the NYK on ESPN vs. Philly. He gets 8 1H minutes, goes 0-2 with 1 board and a steal and obviously produces zero highlights.

[podcast411]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Obi and the NYK on ESPN vs. Philly. He gets 8 1H minutes, goes 0-2 with 1 board and a steal and obviously produces zero highlights.

The Knicks need to trade for Crutcher and get him out of G league. Knicks desperately need a true PG.

[Swampy Meadows]

6 2H minutes standing in the F'in corner.

[TXFlyerFan]

At least he finally made a 3

[BeckysTXA]

Knicks are 3-16 in their last 19 games. If the rumors about the problems between ownership-management and Thibs is even half true...him MO has been in the past to be defiant when things don’t go his way. So not really surprised he’s sticking Obi in the corner - his worst spot on the court. I don’t see Thibs being the Knick’s coach next year. Something has to give. The results for this franchise are terrible. 3-16...what do you have to loose at this point?

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA what do you have to loose at this point?

Becky, I say this with the greatest respect: as a woman, I think you just don't realize that this is not a rhetorical question. Thibs has something to lose.

Doesn't make it right. Doesn't make it smart. It just is. He'd rather die first.

[rollo]

I believe that this is the 1st time in my Royal life that I've ever rooted for a team to lose. Obi's only chance at success is a new coach...or team. Since the Knicks didn't trade him, I have no choice but to hope for more ineptness from the NYK front office and coaching staff...something most Knicks fans are used to...but not thy King!

So from now on I'm an Obi fan...and a fan of whoever they play!

UGH!

King Rollo the Realist...Let's Go Brandon!

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by Gazoo Becky, I say this with the greatest respect: as a woman, I think you just don't realize that this is not a rhetorical question. Thibs has something to lose. Doesn't make it right. Doesn't make it smart. It just is. He'd rather die first.

It’s all good.

I was actually talking about ownership - and whatever decisions will be made or not made between now and the start of next season. 3-16 technically could be worse....but seriously it’s dang close to as low as you can get at this point.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by rollo I believe that this is the 1st time in my Royal life that I've ever rooted for a team to lose. Obi's only chance at success is a new coach...or team. Since the Knicks didn't trade him, I have no choice but to hope for more ineptness from the NYK front office and coaching staff...something most Knicks fans are used to...but not thy King! So from now on I'm an Obi fan...and a fan of whoever they play! UGH! King Rollo the Realist...Let's Go Brandon!

I have been the same way since sometime in December or so.

I actually root as much if not more for your favorite +/- stat. See how big of - Randle and the other starters can have and root for Obi to be on the plus side. For awhile the number were almost always on the good side for Obi and Flyer fans, but lately I think even Obi has lost a bit of bounce in his step and his number of slid a bit. It has to get old after awhile being told to go stand in the corner and stay out of the way.

[Marysville Flyer]

Starters coming back in in 2nd quarter and no sign of Obi
Posted via Mobile Device

[Flyer Al]

Obi is not playing tonight, strained hamstring. On his 24th birthday, too.


https://twitter.com/NY_KnicksPR/stat...vI9vc_kY8-Qg2w

[Swampy Meadows]

From The Knicks Wall: How an expanded role for Obi would benefit all

https://theknickswall.com/expanded-r...d-benefit-all/
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

NYK on ABC. Obi gets 4 1H minutes, plays stellar D and scores 2 points and grabs a board.

[BeckysTXA]

I’m trying to watch this game.it’s hard. Durant has like 40 of the Nets 88 points. The Knicks got nothin. I see no way Thibs keeps his job. He lost this team a long time ago and did so little to get them back and play better. It’s just not working. Something has to give. I’m out. Would love to see Obi on the court sometime this half, but it’s too hard. Hopefully there will be a highlight or two.