The “Third year’s the Charm” Obi Toppin thread

[Swampy Meadows]

NYK getting curb stomped by the Suns in Phoenix. Obi not helping at all going 0-4 with 3 rebounds and an assist in 18 minutes. Hard to show any highlights when he doesn't score.

[flybye]

Obi is lost... has played very poorly last 2 games... his body language and energy not there. Needs a reset ... new coach and perhaps new opportunity. More importantly he needs a kick in the ass.. not aggressive or physical on the boards . I agree Tibs time has come and gone but Obi needs to step up. Plays soft. Love him hope he gets it going !!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Flyer Dave]

Watched and listened to every game. Probably wrong, but the last few games it almost looks like he was told not to shoot. He had some open looks and instead would pass to his team mates even though he was in a better position to shoot. Other times Obi is by himself in the corner no one within 20 ft. and no one passes it to him. Could it be Coach is trying to pad Randle’s numbers up for possible trade in Dec.?

[FlyingArrow]

Originally Posted by Flyer Dave Watched and listened to every game. Probably wrong, but the last few games it almost looks like he was told not to shoot. He had some open looks and instead would pass to his team mates even though he was in a better position to shoot. Other times Obi is by himself in the corner no one within 20 ft. and no one passes it to him. Could it be Coach is trying to pad Randle’s numbers up for possible trade in Dec.?

Obi taking a shot won't impact Randle's stats. They almost never share the floor.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi got 9 1H minutes vs OKC , went 2-7 for 5 points including this triple:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Cxwf7JjaIsAAAA

The 2H hasn't fared much better. Obi got out on the break, but the outlet pass was too far. He then missed a shot at the rim. Later he airballed a three. And another one as the shot clock expired. He finishes 2-11 (1-5 from 3) for 5 points with 3 boards, as assist and a steal in 18 minutes.

[Swampy Meadows]

In the 1H, Obi went 1-2 from the land of plenty:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...12721372237825

#1 missed another three in the 2H, so he finishes with 3 points, 2 boards and an assist in 14 minutes. He was +14.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi missed a triple and then a shot at the rim but converted on a dunk. He missed another three on what looked like a set play to iso him at the top of the key. Later he airballed a baseline trey but flushed a feed from Brunson.

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DUtdmD3qksAAAA

4 points (2-6/0-3 from 3) and 2 boards in 7 1H minutes.

In the 2H Obi finally hit a three and tipped in a rebound. Here is a video with both plays:

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...Ctmdny5qksAAAA

He finishes with 9 points, 3 rebounds and a block in 15 minutes, 2 of which were with Randle also on the floor.

[Swampy Meadows]

NYK face the Pistons here in Motown tonight. Kinda hard to get used to seeing Detroit in green unis. Obi made a nice save under the Pistons basket to IQ who drove for the deuce. In 6 1H minutes he gets the 1 rebound and assist. That's it.

The Knicks are up 109-88 after 3. One would assume that Randle (36 points) is done for the evening, but with Thibs ya never know. After 11 minutes of floor time Obi finally gets a touch and drains a three. He hit another trey shortly thereafter. Finally, he got a lob from IQ for a throw down to give the NYK a 140-110 V:

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

He finishes with 8 points on 2-3 from three, 1-1 from 2, 3 boards and 2 dimes in 18 minutes.

[Swampy Meadows]

NYK playing a back-to-back and face the Bucks. Obi was 1-3 from 3;

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DTsb-T1q0sAAAA

He hit another trey and made 1-2 FTs after getting hacked by Giannis:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DU3cu23q0sAAAA

7 points on 2-5 from 3 point land and 3 boards in 14 minutes of run.

Thibs did play Obi and Randle together for a bit in both halves.

[MrFlyerFanatic]

Travelling a lot lately and not having a time to read or watch sports news, I appreciate the condensed OBI update.
Thanks Swampy.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi had 4 points on 1-5 shooting to go with 7 boards, an assist and a steal in 22 minutes in a NYK loss to the Mavs.

His one highlight: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...ClvY7AnLEsAAAA

[Furio]

knicks now 10-13
Have to think the shot clock on the Thibs era is running out soon.

[Swampy Meadows]

In the IH vs the Cavs Obi had 2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 dime in 7 minutes. Three guesses how he scored his 2 markers:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DUlfqB37IsAAAA

[FlyingArrow]

Recently, Obi has unfortunately been playing in a way to prove Thibs right. Then again, you have to wonder what happens if Obi just gets to start and doesn't have to worry about it.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi was 1-3 from 3 in 8 1H minutes:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Cwtfmr2bYsAAAA

In the 2H the NYK are crushing ATL by 23 and Obi's butt is stapled to the bench. Randle is playing in garbage time, WTF Thibs?

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Obi was 1-3 from 3 in 8 1H minutes: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Cwtfmr2bYsAAAA In the 2H the NYK are crushing ATL by 23 and Obi's butt is stapled to the bench. Randle is playing in garbage time, WTF Thibs?

I’m hearing Obi is hurt
Posted via Mobile Device

[UDaMan]

Obi has a sore right knee. Will not return to game.

[podcast411]

Originally Posted by longtimefan67 I’m hearing Obi is hurt Posted via Mobile Device

X-rays did not show anything - MRI is up next for Obi.

Bad day yesterday to be a Flyer.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by podcast411 X-rays did not show anything - MRI is up next for Obi. Bad day yesterday to be a Flyer.

Ian Begley
@IanBegley
·
37m
Obi Toppin has a non-displaced fracture in his right knee, per NYK. He will be revaluated in 2-3 weeks, team says.

[SeasonTicketFan]

Did not realize but I think the Knicks teams was staying at the same hotel that were used here in Chicago. UD team is in a different hotel.

We got on the elevator with two guys wearing Knicks clothing. They saw Dayton and mentioned Obi.

I said I wish their coach would use Obi better instead of planting him at the 3 point line solely. Great dunker and great pick and role player talent wasted. (After all fans like me are smarter than coaches).


One of the guys commented that their coach is the greatest coach in the NBA.

Ok then…

[podcast411]

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketFan Did not realize but I think the Knicks teams was staying at the same hotel that were used here in Chicago. UD team is in a different hotel. We got on the elevator with two guys wearing Knicks clothing. They saw Dayton and mentioned Obi. I said I wish their coach would use Obi better instead of planting him at the 3 point line solely. Great dunker and great pick and role player talent wasted. (After all fans like me are smarter than coaches). One of the guys commented that their coach is the greatest coach in the NBA. Ok then…

Did that guy then go "wink wink" afterwards?

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi to the Indiana Pacers trade talk:

https://heavy.com/sports/new-york-kn...rs-obi-toppin/

[Swampy Meadows]

The Knicks injury report now lists Obi as “Doubtful“ for tonight’s game which is an upgrade:

https://mobile.twitter.com/nyknicks/...94417877364737

Update: Obi now "Questionable":

https://clutchpoints.com/knicks-news...clash-vs-spurs

Final update:

NY_KnicksPR
@NY_KnicksPR

Derrick Rose and Obi Toppin are available to play.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi was available last night but was a DNP-CD.

NYK play again Friday @ Toronto
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

So, Obi was sent down to the Knicks G League team today so he could scrimmage 5 on 5 with them. Immediately after he was recalled to the big club and activated for the Toronto game tomorrow night.

[Swampy Meadows]

Fred Katz
@FredKatz

Tom Thibodeau said Obi Toppin is "getting close" in his ramp-up. Toppin technically back from the injury now, but still has some ways to go before Knicks feel comfortable playing him.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi should finally make his return tonight:

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/01/....html#ref=home
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi entered with 3 minutes to go in the 1Q. A minute later he was yanked for the 1-12 (0-8 from 3) shooting Julius Randle. WTF Thibs? He ends up with 4 1H minutes and goes 0-1 with a steal.

In the 2H Obi hit a corner three for his only points in 8 minutes.: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DTocnvnuEsAAAA

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi splashed a three then missed one:

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...DTwbaU3-MsAAAA

He had a steal and a nice dime to Barrett:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...43971190902786

Obi got knocked down under the hoop and made both FT, then missed a trey:

https://twitter.com/JakeBrownNBA/sta...CysZKP4OMsAAAA

5 points. 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 7 1H minutes. He got 2 more minutes in the 2H.

[podcast411]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Obi splashed a three then missed one: https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...DTwbaU3-MsAAAA He had a steal and a nice dime to Barrett: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...43971190902786 Obi got knocked down under the hoop and made both FT, then missed a trey: https://twitter.com/JakeBrownNBA/sta...CysZKP4OMsAAAA 5 points. 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 7 1H minutes. He got 2 more minutes in the 2H.

Then Thibs played him less than 3 minutes in the 4th quarter and yanked him.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by podcast411 Then Thibs played him less than 3 minutes in the 4th quarter and yanked him.

Makes me wonder if the Knicks don’t have Obi on a minutes restriction for several games.

[FlyingArrow]

Originally Posted by longtimefan67 Makes me wonder if the Knicks don’t have Obi on a minutes restriction for several games.

Makes me wonder if they want him to play just enough to show he's healthy, but not enough to risk getting hurt again so they can trade him.

[BeckysTXA]

It would be a blessing if he gets traded. I’m sure he loves playing for his childhood favorite team, but reality has sunk in by now. It’s time to move on with a team that can play him to his talents and skills. That’s not going to happen with the Knicks unless someone gets hurt.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi gets 7 1H minutes and notches only 1 block:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Cxzcq2pOYsAAAA

And 1 assist on this oop to RJ:

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1614060173294964744

Toppin got 5 more 2H minutes with no change in stats.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi and the NYK visit the Pistons here In Motown for a Sunday matinee. Obi is in and playing alongside Randle. He misses a 3 and grabs a rebound in 1 minute in the 1Q. In the 2Q he missed two point blank opportunities at the rim. He sits 0-4 with 4 rebounds and an assist in 6 1H minutes. In the 2H #1 missed another 3. in 9 total minutes, he garners 6 boards and a dime and is +5.
Posted via Mobile Device

[FlyingArrow]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Obi and the NYK visit the Pistons here In Motown for a Sunday matinee. Obi is in and playing alongside Randle. He misses a 3 and grabs a rebound in 1 minute in the 1Q. In the 2Q he missed two point blank opportunities at the rim. He sits 0-4 with 4 rebounds and an assist in 6 1H minutes. In the 2H #1 missed another 3. in 9 total minutes, he garners 6 boards and a dime and is +5. Posted via Mobile Device

6reb in 9 minutes sounds unusual for him. He leaks out early so much that his rebounding numbers seldom impress.

[Swampy Meadows]

The Knicks have a 3:00pm MLK Day matinee vs. Toronto. He got out on the break for a jam:

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...DR3cyK-eksAAAA

He then hit a triple: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DQnfOu-eksAAAA

But later got his shot "blocked" at the rim. 7 1H minutes - 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist. He got 4 2H minutes and addd another board.

[Swampy Meadows]

In 7 1H minutes vs. the Wiz Obi grabbed 2 boards and took 0 shots. He finishes 0-1 with 5 rebounds in 14 minutes.

[Swampy Meadows]

NYK C Mitch Robinson has a broken hand. Hoop Rumors speculates this could mean more minutes for #1:

Of course, while Toppin could play alongside Julius Randle in smaller lineups, the Knicks will also need one or both of Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims to step up in Robinson’s absence.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/01/...rtenstein.html

So far tonight, Sims started and Hartenstein replaced him. So much for that theory, eh?

Obi came in with a minute left in the 1Q and started off with a bang:

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...C-2Yvdqe8sAAAA

In the 2Q he missed a turnaround J, but then got a nice oop from Jalen Brunson:

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...C-xd7mqu8sAAAA

And hit a trey from the corner. 7 points, 3 rebounds and an assist in 8 1H minutes.

Obi opened the 4Q by missing a three. And then another one. And another one. He has had at least 3 rebounds taken out of his hands by teammates tonight--2 by Hartenstein.

And he's done for the night.

[shocka43]

He's not doing himself any favors. Leash won't get any longer with Thibs.

[NJFlyr71]

I know he's making lot of money. But he is wasting away in NY I think he is starting to feel that way too.

Too bad. Great guy. Deserved better.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by NJFlyr71 I know he's making lot of money. But he is wasting away in NY I think he is starting to feel that way too. Too bad. Great guy. Deserved better.

He’s definitely on the wrong team/wrong offense. I think Obi love’s playing at MSG but at some point, he needs to think about his career.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi had a tremendous 1H vs. the Raptors going for 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting from three and is a team-high +6 but played a team-low 7 minutes in the first half.

Highlights:

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...Cy7fLd6vEsAAAA

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...08983899062273

https://twitter.com/KnicksMSGN/statu...Cx_aTB6_EsAAAA

In the 2H Obi got out for a jam on a feed from Barrett:

https://twitter.com/JakeBrownNBA/sta...DTyfLO8vEsAAAA

And he's done after only 4 2H minutes. 14 points, 1 each of reabounds, steals and assists.

[Swampy Meadows]

In 7 1H minutes vs the Cavs Obi was 2-3 (1-1 from 3) for 6 points and 2 boards.

Obi for three and a drive and finish: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...54621016231936

In the 2H he hit a 3 and a layup in rapid succession:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...72722244005888

And he's done. 11 points and 3 rebounds in only 10 freaking minutes. He leaves as the #3 scorer for the NYK.

[MrFlyerFanatic]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows In 7 1H minutes vs the Cavs Obi was 2-3 (1-1 from 3) for 6 points and 2 boards. Obi for three and a drive and finish: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...54621016231936 In the 2H he hit a 3 and a layup in rapid succession: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...72722244005888 And he's done. 11 points and 3 rebounds in only 10 freaking minutes. He leaves as the #3 scorer for the NYK.

Up 10 when he left the game. Escape with a 2pt win. In the +/- column, the entire bench was + double digits. The staters ranged from even at best to -9, -10, -11.

I don't get it. I don't think anyone gets it.

[rollo]

+/- is worthless and every night there are dozens+ examples of why.

LeBron last night...46 pts, 7 assists, 0 TOs, 2 steals, 1 block, 9-14 on 3s and a -14 +/-. Had he sat, the Lakers might have had a chance.

[Hyde Park Flyer]

+/- works in hockey because scoring is at a premium, and it emphasizes play on both ends of the ice. It’s possible to hold a team scoreless and quite possible to stop a team’s best player from scoring. There’s just not a parallel in basketball. There aren’t situational subs in hockey like there are in basketball. For example, there are guards who are excellent ball handlers and free throw shooters. They may get an inordinate amount of pt when his team is up. He likely finishes with a higher +/- because his team hits a bunch of last minute free throws as the other team jacks 3’s. The positive +/- would not mean as much in that case. In the case of hockey, Inguess it does help to understand that players do not get a positive point for scoring on a power play or a negative pony for giving up a point on the penalty kill.
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[Radar]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows In 7 1H minutes vs the Cavs Obi was 2-3 (1-1 from 3) for 6 points and 2 boards. Obi for three and a drive and finish: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...54621016231936 In the 2H he hit a 3 and a layup in rapid succession: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...72722244005888 And he's done. 11 points and 3 rebounds in only 10 freaking minutes. He leaves as the #3 scorer for the NYK.

I confess to only watching the 4th quarter, but Obi was torched on 3 consecutive isolation plays. Not that whoever replaces him is a better option, just sayin'...

[Hyde Park Flyer]

I just asked my older Hockey playing son, and he also mentioned that the chance of scoring in basketball is so much higher. He doesn’t think that it fairly reflects play on offense and defense. Kinda what I said.
Posted via Mobile Device

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by Radar I confess to only watching the 4th quarter, but Obi was torched on 3 consecutive isolation plays. Not that whoever replaces him is a better option, just sayin'...

I didn’t get to see the game against Cleveland due to blackout (i have NBA season pass and not Fox Sports Ohio). Generally- with the exception of Mitch Robinson and maybe Quinten Grimes, the Knicks players are just your average token defense NBA players. Obi’s first year- he was out of position a lot and not good. The last 2 years he’s worked on his lateral quickness with a trainer and it shows- he’s no longer the weakest defensive player. Not strongest either- just not the worst. What I usually see is Obi trying too much to help out on defense and favor is rarely ever returned. All other things being equal - his offensive efficiency is still very high. Most “NY Knicks” podcasts I listen to echo the common complaint that Obi deserves much more minutes. Even the other night when they were playing the Raptors- the Raptors game announcers were saying (laughing really) “where’s Obi Toppin?”

[Swampy Meadows]

Tonight, Obi and the NYK face the Celtics on TNT, so Dayton fans can toggle back and forth starting at 7:30 pm.

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Tonight, Obi and the NYK face the Celtics on TNT, so Dayton fans can toggle back and forth starting at 7:30 pm.

FAKE NEWS surprise surprise

My schedule says tomorrow for what I hope is soon Obis former team.

[rollo]

Posted via Mobile Device

[ClaytonFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by rollo Posted via Mobile Device

Great post. You must have popped open your second Bud Lite

[Swampy Meadows]

The game is on TNT but Thursday night.

https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401468885

[FlyingArrow]

Obi should hope to land in a perfect spot for himself. I think Obi is good enough to be a starter on a championship-caliber team, but he'd have to be the 4th or 5th best starter. More likely, he ends up a starter on a middling to lower-tier team or a rotation player on a good team. Right now he's a low-usage rotation player on a middling team - he's better than that.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi entered with less than a minute to go in the 1H to replace the red-hot Randall. He scored on a breakout:

https://twitter.com/KnicksNation/sta...80509751877635

He missed a three and then had his shot blocked. 2 points and 1 rebound in 10 1H minutes and he is a game high +13.

In the 4Q, #1 nailed a three: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...99265639432192

In 15 minutes, he totals 5 points and 2 boards.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi 1-2 FG and 2-2 FT for 4 points in 5 1H minutes vs the Nets in a game now on ABC. Toppin gets another 5 minutes and never gets a shot up.

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi and the NYK face the Lakers at 7:30 pm on TNT as an appetizer for the UD/LUC game at 9:00 pm. Obi got 6 minutes of 1st half run and got zero touches on offense but did snare 5 defensive rebounds.

And he got to cover LeBron.

In the 2H he hit a triple: https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DSteHFxv0sAAAA

[Swampy Meadows]

In 14 minutes last night Obi had 7 points and 2 boards in a NYK win. Highlights:

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

https://mobile.twitter.com/sny_knick...35717946302464
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

Mr. Quiroga
@MrQPhoto

Today Ossining High School will be honoring Obi Toppin Class of 2016 Ossining Alumni

https://twitter.com/MrQPhoto/status/...DSzZPB54AtAAAA

[Swampy Meadows]

NBACentral
@TheNBACentral

The Knicks and Jazz have had exploratory conversations surrounding Obi Toppin, Evan Fournier, and draft pick compensation for Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt

https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/st...89713182236673

[Swampy Meadows]

In 7 1H minutes #1 was 0-1 from three and grabbed 2 boards. He was +9.

In the 4Q Obi splashed a trey to tie the game and hit a FT to give the NYK the lead:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...DTuYHF-IMtAAAA

In 14 total minutes Obi scores 3 points and snares 4 rebounds and is +17.

[Swampy Meadows]

Lots of trades on NBA deadline day (including Kevin Durant to the Suns and Obi's teammate Cam Reddish to the Blazers for wing Josh Hart) but nothing involving #1. The cutoff is 3:00pm EST this afternoon.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/

[longtimefan67]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...nificant-price

[Medford]

Begs the question, if a player is only getting 12-15 min a night off the bench, why would the asking price be high? I get there isn't a good reason for the Knicks to just give Obi away, but seems like they should be able to find a piece, namely outside shooting that could help down the stretch.


Meanwhile, I'd love to see Obi land somewhere he could get out an run and use his skill that he is best at.

[rollo]

I think the Nets could use someone like Obi right now. Or DaRon. Or Kostas...anyone not named Zimi with a pulse could probably finish out their season.

[rollo]

Luke Kennard to Memphis...

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by Medford Begs the question, if a player is only getting 12-15 min a night off the bench, why would the asking price be high? I get there isn't a good reason for the Knicks to just give Obi away, but seems like they should be able to find a piece, namely outside shooting that could help down the stretch. Meanwhile, I'd love to see Obi land somewhere he could get out an run and use his skill that he is best at.

I think the Knicks all along have used Obi as a competent emergency "insurance/replacement" in the case Randle goes down with a serious injury. Last year when Randle missed the last 6-7 games of the year due to injury, they let Obi start and he leapfrogged his highest scoring game like 4 times culminating with a career high 42 points in the last game. I'd love to see Obi traded but he's ultra-cheap insurance right now and it wouldn't surprise me if they pick up the option on his contract this summer for 1 more dreadful year of employment under Thib's.

[Swampy Meadows]

3:00pm has come and gone and our guy is still a NYK. Oh well.

[podcast411]

At this point Obi's only hope is Thibs gets fired or Randle gets injured or both. But short of that - Obi season will be typically 10 to 12 minutes a game. With an occasional blowout game getting 20 minutes when it does not mater.

Feel bad for Obi. Knicks have not done right by him.

[soccergod]

To be honest if Obi doesn’t push for a trade it is probably the reason it won’t happen , or is the reason it didn’t happen , 6 million for a fourth season , first round 8th pick is cheap for the Knicks , he should fire his agent which has Knocks ties !
Posted via Mobile Device

[OSU Flyer]

Why would the Knicks demand a kings ransom for a player they don’t want to use
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

Originally Posted by soccergod To be honest if Obi doesn’t push for a trade it is probably the reason it won’t happen , or is the reason it didn’t happen , 6 million for a fourth season , first round 8th pick is cheap for the Knicks , he should fire his agent which has Knocks ties ! Posted via Mobile Device

His agent has nothing to do with the $ in Obi’s contract. The terms are negotiated by the league and the Players Association—he got a rookie scale deal for a # 8 pick.
Posted via Mobile Device

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by OSU Flyer Why would the Knicks demand a kings ransom for a player they don’t want to use Posted via Mobile Device

I think Knicks management knows Obi's value and he's very cheap insurance right now. Obi just needs to continue to work on his game and things that he can control and just improve at every level. His time will come.

[MrFlyerFanatic]

I don't know much about the terms of contract, but as I understand it, the length is 2 years with team options for years 3 and 4. Is this correct?

So, what happens if Obi had been traded? Would the rookie contract go with him and the new team has the year 4 option, or is it open market for year 4?

Is there a team financial benefit to pick up the 4th year option and then trade in the offseason so that the receiving team is getting a better "bargain"?

Having never signed a multi-million dollar contract or run a sports franchise, I'm fairly clueless to the details.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by MrFlyerFanatic I don't know much about the terms of contract, but as I understand it, the length is 2 years with team options for years 3 and 4. Is this correct? So, what happens if Obi had been traded? Would the rookie contract go with him and the new team has the year 4 option, or is it open market for year 4? Is there a team financial benefit to pick up the 4th year option and then trade in the offseason so that the receiving team is getting a better "bargain"? Having never signed a multi-million dollar contract or run a sports franchise, I'm fairly clueless to the details.

I'm no expert either so I'll let someone else chime in but I think if he got traded, another team would pick up the remaining portion of his current 3 year deal with the same option to pick up year 4. Really surprised someone didn't want him but maybe the stars didn't align

[Swampy Meadows]

In 11 uninspiring minutes, Obi scores 2 points on 1-4 shooting (0-3 from 3).

[Flyer Dave]

The Knicks have done a terrible disservice to Obi ny keeping him and reducing playing time even more.

[Swampy Meadows]

In 9 minutes Obi scored 2 points. The highlight:

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1624579293505257486

The lowlight:

Yaya Dubin
@JADubin5

RJ Barrett just stared at a wide-open Obi Toppin calling for a lob for like a full 5 seconds, didn't pass it, drove into traffic, then kicked to Toppin for a late-clock 3 (he missed) and the Jazz got an and-1 on the other end. Not the best sequence.

https://twitter.com/JADubin5/status/1624598483733716994

[BeckysTXA]

I really thought this was the year Obi would get traded and he would turn a corner on his NBA career with a team that would maximized his talents, even as a sixth man. It’s such a waste. As much as he loves being associated with his childhood team, I can’t imagine he will renew his contract when it’s done. I don’t know if that’s after this year or next, but in my opinion it can’t come soon enough. And I hope the Knicks get zero when it happens. Prior to this year I THINK they have had opportunities to trade him. This year I know they have and they didn’t get a deal done because they want too much. You would think they would have done more to showcase Obi so they could have increased his trade value and gotten what they want. Total mismanagement in my opinion…on so many levels. Time to find a new team.

[flybye]

Obi needs to play better ...9 min Zero rebounds .. that has nothing to do with his teammates .. coaching ... he is timid around the basket and this is a big boy League. Where ever he goes he need to be more than a finesse player .He needs a change but he also has to change. 2 guys younger than him and less decorated out of CBB play a lot Grimes and Quickley. I wish the Knicks had a different coach etc... but man Obi make something happen when your out there .
Posted via Mobile Device

[podcast411]

Originally Posted by flybye Obi needs to play better ...9 min Zero rebounds .. that has nothing to do with his teammates .. coaching ... he is timid around the basket and this is a big boy League. Where ever he goes he need to be more than a finesse player .He needs a change but he also has to change. 2 guys younger than him and less decorated out of CBB play a lot Grimes and Quickley. I wish the Knicks had a different coach etc... but man Obi make something happen when your out there . Posted via Mobile Device

He is told to go out on the corner when he deviates from that he gets yanked by Thibs. And even when he cuts to the basked wide open his teammates are not passing to him. The worst thing for Obi happened last week - he was not traded. He will finish out the season with more games than not like last night <10 minutes a game - and soon that likely will be <5 minutes. If he does what you say he will get yanked - if he shows frustration for being wide open under the basked he gets yanked. If he sits in the corner - he does not get the ball until very later in the shot clock. It is really really sad what Thibs has done to Obi.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by podcast411 He is told to go out on the corner when he deviates from that he gets yanked by Thibs. And even when he cuts to the basked wide open his teammates are not passing to him. The worst thing for Obi happened last week - he was not traded. He will finish out the season with more games than not like last night <10 minutes a game - and soon that likely will be <5 minutes. If he does what you say he will get yanked - if he shows frustration for being wide open under the basked he gets yanked. If he sits in the corner - he does not get the ball until very later in the shot clock. It is really really sad what Thibs has done to Obi.

This is all spot on 100% truth. Thibideau is systematically trying to devalue Obi. That play the other night where Obi was wide open jumping up and down and Barrett refused to throw him the alley oop shows it all. This coach doesn’t like Obi and it obviously shows and no, it’s not just UD/Obi fans that see this BS. I wanted Obi traded so bad to the Pacers but who knows what happens in the off season.

[Flyer 86]

Picking up Hart just gonna hurt Obis playing time more. Time to get out of Dodge. Hope his agent is working hard for Obi!

[podcast411]

As far as this season goes - it is over for Obi for any productive outcome. Really at this point if the Knicks are not going to trade him and not going to play him - he would from a career point of view be better going to Europe next year to get back into playing mode - and then come back to the NBA as an unrestricted Free agent for the 2024/25 season - that really is how bad the Knicks have screwed over Obi.

[Swampy Meadows]

He’s not going to Europe. Obi has a team option for 2023-24. The NYK have already picked it up and he will be paid $6.8 million next year. After that he will be a restricted free agent where he can negotiate with other teams but the NYK have the right to match any offer.

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/new-york...45%2C529%2C623.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Medford]

a little over 58% of all of Obi's shot attempts have been 3 pointers. He's shooting a respectable 35% from deep, but Thibs is criminally misusing his talent set by having him camp out on the perimeter. Let the young fellow rim run and juice up the team/crowd.

[Swampy Meadows]

Flyer fans are not the only ones who see his misuse either, Medford. The NYK websites and fans are clamoring for Thibs to “Free Obi!”

The Knicks face the trade-decimated Nets tonight. Expect more of the same from Thibs.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Swampy Meadows]

In 6 1H minutes Obi scored 0 points (0-1 from three), grabbed 1 rebound and had 0 highlights. He finishes with 12 minutes, 2 points (1-3), 1 board and 1 highlight:

https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/...C4uczypo4tAAAA

[Flyers98]

I love Obi and wish we could see him play more, but unless you are arguing that he is a better player than Randle, I don't see how the Knicks have "screwed him." I too, wish he had been traded to a team where he could play ton of minutes, but it didn't happen.

I wish someone would screw me over by paying me $25 million over 4 years or whatever it comes out to. I think he will be just fine. The Knicks and other teams obviously see value in Obi so I don't think going to Europe, (even if he could), as a realistic option.

[BeckysTXA]

Someone above posted Obi will probably have to demand a trade or it won’t happen. We all know that’s against his character, but I think that’s what will need to happen. The Knicks have become a dead end. Sadly it’s a reality…it dies t matter right, wrong, or why. It just is. Someone else posted he us a cheap insurance policy which might be why the Knicks want too much for him in a trade. That’s probably true too. I think there have been some frustrating times during the last 3 seasons, but for the most part Obi is a team player. So I don’t think it will be easy, but come the off season, it’s time for him to take matters under control and become more vocal about wanting to leave the Knicks.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA Someone above posted Obi will probably have to demand a trade or it won’t happen. We all know that’s against his character, but I think that’s what will need to happen. The Knicks have become a dead end. Sadly it’s a reality…it dies t matter right, wrong, or why. It just is. Someone else posted he us a cheap insurance policy which might be why the Knicks want too much for him in a trade. That’s probably true too. I think there have been some frustrating times during the last 3 seasons, but for the most part Obi is a team player. So I don’t think it will be easy, but come the off season, it’s time for him to take matters under control and become more vocal about wanting to leave the Knicks.

I could maybe see him wanting a trade to Brooklyn since he’s actually from there and they’ve been decimated by trades last week.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by BeckysTXA Someone above posted Obi will probably have to demand a trade or it won’t happen. We all know that’s against his character, but I think that’s what will need to happen. The Knicks have become a dead end. Sadly it’s a reality…it dies t matter right, wrong, or why. It just is. Someone else posted he us a cheap insurance policy which might be why the Knicks want too much for him in a trade. That’s probably true too. I think there have been some frustrating times during the last 3 seasons, but for the most part Obi is a team player. So I don’t think it will be easy, but come the off season, it’s time for him to take matters under control and become more vocal about wanting to leave the Knicks.

I could maybe see him wanting a trade to Brooklyn since he’s actually from there and they’ve been decimated by trades last week.

[Medford]

He may be from Brooklyn, but since they were in Jersey until he was around high school age, Obi may have never been a fan like he seemed to be of the Knicks which were always considered THE basketball team in the region.


I'd venture that the biggest thing is being somewhere that he felt wanted and needed, not just someone to spell a starter for a few minutes a half. Who knows if he finds it, but that spark that he showed at the end of last season has been put to waste with limited minutes and opportunities this season.

[TXFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by Flyers98 I love Obi and wish we could see him play more, but unless you are arguing that he is a better player than Randle, I don't see how the Knicks have "screwed him." I too, wish he had been traded to a team where he could play ton of minutes, but it didn't happen. I wish someone would screw me over by paying me $25 million over 4 years or whatever it comes out to. I think he will be just fine. The Knicks and other teams obviously see value in Obi so I don't think going to Europe, (even if he could), as a realistic option.

Better individually? That's comparing apples and oranges, as they are two very different styles of players. Is Obi a guy who could play "like" Randle? No. But why would you do so? In the last 10 games or so last year, Obi showed what he can do in a starter role. The Knicks, if they played a completely different offense, more like Golden State, Clippers, etc, would benefit more from an Obi than a Randle.

So where the Knicks have screwed him, is trying to put a square peg into a round hole, that is the Knicks two man one on one offense while telling Obi to go stand at the three point line. It's malfeasance what they've done to him.

Does Obi have shortcomings? Of course. No player, for the most part, is complete at all facets. At times, Obi's defense leaves a lot to be desired. But if you watch the Knicks enough, you can see many of the same issues from Randle, Barrett, etc. They have very few players who are outstanding defensively, and yet that is the area that Thibs always says Obi needs to improve on, and frequently yanks him from games over, yet doesn't do the same for Randle et al. And he's not going to do that, with players earning 25M/yr.

In a more open, sharing offense, Obi would thrive. That is not, nor will it be, the Knicks offense while Thibs is coach. He's coaching 90's basketball in 2023. Similar to when Mike Zimmer was HC of the Vikings, and wanted to only run the ball and have a strong defense. The NFL doesn't play that way anymore, but he wouldn't adapt and change.

Obi though, apparently loves NY too much to cause any waves. Well, if he wants to ensure longevity in the league, he and his agent better start forcing the issue this off-season. He will never thrive in NY under Thibs and Randle isn't going anywhere with his contract.

[FlyingArrow]

At one point, his numbers were better (on a per minute basis) than Randle's. That's no longer the case. Randle has returned to his all-star form, or at least close. Obi has gone the other direction. Hard to know how good Obi really is given the way they seem to play actively against his strengths. For the way he's used, tbh, there are probably better players in the G-league.

[Medford]

Obi will not be defending his slam dunk crown. I don't know if that was his decision or the leagues.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by FlyingArrow At one point, his numbers were better (on a per minute basis) than Randle's. That's no longer the case. Randle has returned to his all-star form, or at least close. Obi has gone the other direction. Hard to know how good Obi really is given the way they seem to play actively against his strengths. For the way he's used, tbh, there are probably better players in the G-league.

Obi looks completely disinterested and if you watch him play- he basically runs to a corner and calls for a ball that is rarely delivered unless its the very last option with time running out. Make no mistake about it- Obi is definitely getting screwed by the Knicks and in particular - coach moron baldy.

[Flyers98]

Originally Posted by FlyingArrow At one point, his numbers were better (on a per minute basis) than Randle's. That's no longer the case. Randle has returned to his all-star form, or at least close. Obi has gone the other direction. Hard to know how good Obi really is given the way they seem to play actively against his strengths. For the way he's used, tbh, there are probably better players in the G-league.

I hate being devil's advocate when it comes to Obi because I really do love everything about the guy, but does anybody remember when Chris Wright got called up for the last 10 games of the season and averaged like 27 points, (that number is not exact)? I am not sure he played in the NBA after that. Teams play guys that don't get alot of playing time when they are out of the playoff race. The Knicks shut Randle down and Obi got the starter's minutes but my guess/assumption is that he wasn't always playing against a line up of starters from the other team. He certainly played against starts in some of the games because some of those games were against teams that were still in it.



My point is: saying Obi scored a ton of points in the last 10 games of the year so sort of like saying the walkon who went 2/2 from the three point line in the last 2 minutes of a 30 point blowout needs to get more time. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't but I don't think you can base it on play that is not necessarily representative of what happens throughout a whole season (or game).

I agree 100% that if Obi went somewhere with a different offensive philosophy he could flourish, we know he has the ability and that he will put in the work. What sucks about being good enough to be a lottery pick is that you probably aren't going to a great team, rather you are part of a rebuild. In Obi's case, he was unlucky enough to go to a team that was not convinced they had the PF for their future (Randle), and then he (Randle) developed into an all-star. Who knows what will happen, maybe the Knicks will trade Randle, maybe Randle will demand a trade. Until then we will have to take what we can get as far as Obi watching goes, and he will have to bide his time and I assume buy multiple homes and luxury vehicles.

Edit: FlyingArrow, I quoted the wrong post, because I am a moron.

	Chris Wright CHRIS WRIGHT 6-8 225lb | Trotwood Madison, HS (OH) A10 All Rookie Team. Preseason 2008 2nd Team All A10. Member of the UD Flight Club with a 40+ inch vertical leap. Consensus Top-75 national recruit. Uncle is former Flyer J.D. Grigsby. Nickname is Top Flyght. CAREER STATS 2007-08 10.4ppg 5.7rpg