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

[AZFlyer85]

Obi doesn't play the last 10 minutes, while the Heat dominate the Knicks and win by 10. Thibs clearly HATES Obi and his fans.

[Hyde Park Flyer]

The Heat only won the 4th quarter by 1. Their domination of the Knicks was in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
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[rollo]

Obi got fried 3X in the 3rd quarter on court length passes over his head after losing his assignment/man. This was the turning point of the momentum/game.

[Fudd]

Originally Posted by rollo Obi got fried 3X in the 3rd quarter on court length passes over his head after losing his assignment/man. This was the turning point of the momentum/game.

Was that his man? I thought he was guarding Love at that point in the game.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by Fudd Was that his man? I thought he was guarding Love at that point in the game.

Obi was the only Knick actually playing defense. The loss is on Thibs, as usual. Obi was also the only Knick hitting 3’s. When it became obvious at about the 7-8 minute mark in the 4th quarter that Miami was pulling away…why not put Obi back in for 3 or 4 minutes? Oh well, for as bad as Obi allegedly played, his +/- was a neutral “0” - better than almost all the other Knick players

[TXFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by Fudd Was that his man? I thought he was guarding Love at that point in the game.

On the first deep pass, Brunson and Hart were back, Max Strus made the shot. Obi was on Love, who threw the deep pass. Not his fault. On the 2nd one, Butler was the deep man, and he came from the opposite side of the court. Obi sprinted back, but that wasn't his guy. Was he supposed to get back sooner? Can't answer that, but he was sprinting before Love threw the ball, Butler just had a huge lead from the opposite side of the court. On the third one, Obi was back, but the pass went just over his hands, Butler caught it and made the shot. I'll put that one on Obi since he was there. The first one, no way was his fault, and not really his fault on the second one either.

[Flyer68]

Knicks need Randle. Obi comes down court and heads directly for corner. Guards ran plays away from his corner but he remained there. When shot went up, even though no one was guarding him on offensive end, he headed down court instead of crashing the offensive rim and contending for offensive rebounds and put backs.

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 Knicks need Randle. Obi comes down court and heads directly for corner. Guards ran plays away from his corner but he remained there. When shot went up, even though no one was guarding him on offensive end, he headed down court instead of crashing the offensive rim and contending for offensive rebounds and put backs.

This is what he’s been instructed to do by Thibideau

[UDGutter2]

4 of the 5 starters were negative, one was neutral and sat.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by Flyer68 Knicks need Randle. Obi comes down court and heads directly for corner. Guards ran plays away from his corner but he remained there. When shot went up, even though no one was guarding him on offensive end, he headed down court instead of crashing the offensive rim and contending for offensive rebounds and put backs.

Obi had a bunch of defensive rebounds in the first half. Ended the game with 8 boards - all defensive. So you are correct with your observation above, but missing he’s doing what the Coach has instructed in the offense. Who knows why.

[TXFlyerFan]

He goes to the corner because the Knicks offense is predicated on Brunson, Quickley, or Barrett taking the key shots, typically going 1:1 against their defender. At best, getting a screen but not for pick and roll purposes. All the other players fan out to spread the defense so that the key players can drive to the basket and attempt to take a shot. If the shot's not there, then they will look to pass it to a perimeter player to take a shot. I would include Randle in the above, but he and Obi don't play together.

[Fudd]

I watched that whole game again, and was not disappointed by Obi defense. He is all over the place helping his teammates when they get beat. And he has the length and quickness to recover to his own man and contest shots. You see precious little of that type of help defense in the NBA.

Obi's strength is his movement on both offense and defense, IMO. He is a tireless mover. And in the open court, nobody accelerates like him or has his top speed. He has the best hands on the receiving end of alley oops that I have ever seen, and obviously gets up to the rim effortlessly and in-stride. He has his weaknesses in strength and ability to box out against a more powerful opponent. He needs some work on his one-on-one offensive "put it on the floor" game too.

Obi is a decent 3pt shooter, but I wish he was in an offense where he moves more. Standing in a corner for an open 3 is not Obi being put to best use. I'm happy that they have him streaking across the floor to place a pick on the ball handler's defender now, but if there was more motion in the Knicks offense, rather than a ton of isolation plays, it would favor Obi. And it is rare for a Knick to break down a defender and then look for a wide open Obi on the perimeter. They don't share the ball much, especially with Obi.

[BeckysTXA]

The issue I had with Thibs yesterday was he pulled Obi down the stretch in the 4th when they needed to score points. Obi lead the team in 3 pt percentage at 36.4% and had made his last attempt. The team shot 20.6% from the 3. 11 of Obi’s 15 shots were from 3. Aside from we all think that is a waste of his real talents, he was still the hot hand from 3 but apparently Thibs didn’t think they needed to make up points in the 4th. He also went 3-4 with his other attempts. And had 8 rebounds. Everyone who had more, played more minutes. And as documented in several posts above, he was going all out on defense. He doesn’t take plays off.

[NJFlyr71]

As for some of you who point out some of Obi's weaknesses or for that matter what Thibs think are his weaknesses I only have one ginormous comment:

Obi is about to make over $6Mil next year (IIRC). When I was working I had a few bosses (OK maybe all of them ) who would describe my many weaknesses without fail and NOT ONCE did I make anywhere near as much!

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by NJFlyr71 As for some of you who point out some of Obi's weaknesses or for that matter what Thibs think are his weaknesses I only have one ginormous comment: Obi is about to make over $6Mil next year (IIRC). When I was working I had a few bosses (OK maybe all of them ) who would describe my many weaknesses without fail and NOT ONCE did I make anywhere near as much!

I'll acknowledge he's well paid for the role he's been given. The prevailing sentiment from Obi detractors (you can put Thibideau in this category) - is that Obi's defense is what keeps him off the court. Yet, defense statistics provided in this thread as well as other places actually infer quite a different story (nearly elite defense). Whatever "camp" you're in, one thing is certain: Thibs doesn't respect Obi for whatever "reason" he provides. Maybe he's defending the contract decision given to Randle, I dunno. The Knicks are a more fluid team offensively when Obi's on the court. For those of you saying that Obi doesn't drive or have a more versatile offense; he's doing EXACTLY what he's being told to do. Could he do more? Yes. I have no idea what is going on with the coach here but a glaring comment that I found amusing just prior to the game was Thibideau confessing that he had "no idea" how good Jimmy Butler was going to be (Thibs famously coached Butler at Chicago) : https://nypost.com/2023/04/29/tom-th...s-heat-series/

This tells me all I need to know about Thib's stubborness.

[Swampy Meadows]

I'm beginning to see a trend in Thibs' usage of Obi in the post-season when Randle is out. Obi gets the starting nod and plays the entire 1Q, plays 4-5 minutes in the 2Q and then sits, never to return in the 1H. When Randle starts he typically plays most if not all of the 1Q, then Obi would come in for 6 minutes and Randle would return to finish the half. Same deal in the 2H. The difference is that #1 is not out there for the critical minutes at the end of each half. That has to change.

[SeasonTicketFan]

When the announcers said the 2/3 of Obis shots were from 3 this year, I was dumbfounded. Talk about playing a player out of position.

That is the equivalent of having Steph Curry only take shots in the paint. Like having Tom Brady only kick field goals.

Credit Thibs for getting the Knicks to the playoffs and advancing a round. But it seems that with all that talent the team could be better. Brunson is likely to burn out due to the heavy minutes and heavy burden as the series goes on.

[Radar]

Originally Posted by rollo Obi got fried 3X in the 3rd quarter on court length passes over his head after losing his assignment/man. This was the turning point of the momentum/game.

Unless Thibs told Obi to guard three guys (not out of the realm of possibility) you are incorrect. In the halfcourt Love was Obi's assignment. Love threw the passes. Obi was the only player recognizing the cherry pickers and busted it trying to stop them. But Thibs looks at the salary sheet and benches Obi. :/

[Swampy Meadows]

Randle, Brunson questionable for NYK, as is Jimmy Butler for Miami in game 2:

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/05/...or-game-2.html

Obi should get the start again. Hopefully Thibs alters the substitution pattern to have #1 on the floor for the end of the 1st half and 4th quarter.

[Flyers98]

Originally Posted by Radar Unless Thibs told Obi to guard three guys (not out of the realm of possibility) you are incorrect. In the halfcourt Love was Obi's assignment. Love threw the passes. Obi was the only player recognizing the cherry pickers and busted it trying to stop them. But Thibs looks at the salary sheet and benches Obi. :/

It is hard to say who is definitively guarding whom on a single play with switches and stuff. I do credit Obi for being the only one making any effort to get back. On the one that just went over his hand, I though Butler pretty clearly pushed him. You could see the expression on Obi's face as Jimmy was going in to score.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Randle, Brunson questionable for NYK, as is Jimmy Butler for Miami in game 2: https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/05/...or-game-2.html Obi should get the start again. Hopefully Thibs alters the substitution pattern to have #1 on the floor for the end of the 1st half and 4th quarter.

Someone posted earlier Thibs would over-use Brunson and he would run out of steam before long. Here we go…it didn’t take long. This is Thibs’ MO.

[Ready Action]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Randle, Brunson questionable for NYK, as is Jimmy Butler for Miami in game 2: https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/05/...or-game-2.html Obi should get the start again. Hopefully Thibs alters the substitution pattern to have #1 on the floor for the end of the 1st half and 4th quarter.

Butler ruled out for tonight. Other injury updates forthcoming.
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[Swampy Meadows]

[Ready Action]

Obi time! He’ll show and prove yet again, but will it be appreciated?
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[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Ready Action Obi time! He’ll show and prove yet again, but will it be appreciated? Posted via Mobile Device

Not yet. Randle started. Barring a Randle injury, that means Obi 1 will see about 12-14 minutes tonight, mostly standing in the corner (like an ill-behaved toddler). In fact, I’m not sure I see him on the bench.
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[Swampy Meadows]

Obi entered with about a minute to go in the 1Q. He airballed a corner three. Then he did it again. In 6 measly minutes he did not score and was -6.

[Ready Action]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Obi entered with about a minute to go in the 1Q. He airballed a corner three. Then he did it again. In 6 measly minutes he did not score and was -6.

He went to the bench visibly frustrated; hopefully with self and not other factors. He’ll recover in the second half.
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[FlyingArrow]

Originally Posted by Ready Action He went to the bench visibly frustrated; hopefully with self and not other factors. He’ll recover in the second half. Posted via Mobile Device

If he plays.

[Swampy Meadows]

New York Basketball
@NBA_NewYork

“I don’t care if you shoot 12 threes. Whenever you’re open, shoot the ball. Play your game”

— Mic’d up Josh Hart to Obi Toppin

https://twitter.com/NBA_NewYork/stat...58790795436035

[Swampy Meadows]

Obi exits after 10 total minutes having never touched the ball in the 2H except for the one rebound he grabbed.

[FlyingArrow]

I hope Obi gets a huge offer sheet from someone, and that NY doesn't match.

[Flyers98]

Originally Posted by FlyingArrow I hope Obi gets a huge offer sheet from someone, and that NY doesn't match.

I just hope he gets to play somewhere, he seems to be doing OK from a money standpoint thus far. I watched the Lakers-Warriors game last night after the Knicks game and I found myself thinking that Andrew Wiggins is a great example of the player I think Obi could be. Leave him open on the outside and you will pay for it but he can also back you down in the post. He gets rebounds and makes hustle plays.

The difference is that Obi gets stuck in the corner and never gets touches anywhere else unless it is a lob at the rim. Some have commented that it seems like the plays get run away from Obi's side. Alot of those are clearouts and Obi being in the corner makes some sense because you are taking a big out of the paint so somebody can go one on one. That can't be every play though and Obi's talents are severely wasted. I hope he is still working on his other skills even though he has basically become a 6'10" Craig Hodges, (in role, not shooting percentage).

[Swampy Meadows]

More of the same for Obi this afternoon. Only 5 1H minutes: 0-1 on 3 PFG, 1 TO, 2 PF and a -8 for his trouble.

[FlyingArrow]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows More of the same for Obi this afternoon. Only 5 1H minutes: 0-1 on 3 PFG, 1 TO, 2 PF and a -8 for his trouble.

Not good at all.

[Hyde Park Flyer]

Randall’s stellar 3-12 and 0-4 from 3 is really stellar.
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[cj]

Painful to watch.
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[cj]

Getting chippy.
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[Swampy Meadows]

Obi finished with 5 points on 2-6 shooting with 3 rebounds and an assist in 17 minutes in a NYK loss.
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[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Hyde Park Flyer Randall’s stellar 3-12 and 0-4 from 3 is really stellar. Posted via Mobile Device

And Thibs still had Randle in the game with a minute to go and the Knicks down by almost 20. Pure genius!
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[Swampy Meadows]

Obi got 6 2Q minutes and shot 2-4 good for 4 points to go with 1 board.

[Swampy Meadows]

FINALLY! Thibs changes his rotation...and has Randle start the 4Q instead of Obi.

WTF?

Josh Hart picks up his 5th PF...and is replaced by Grimes!

Ping me when Obi gets in the game...I'm done with Thibs.

[Ready Action]

Desperate times call for something. Within most organizations coach dude would be coaching for his life, buuuuuut he is safe.
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[OSU Flyer]

Do they ever play Randle and Obi together?

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Ready Action Desperate times call for something. Within most organizations coach dude would be coaching for his life, buuuuuut he is safe. Posted via Mobile Device

Thibs is coaching as if he has a job for life, not as if he’s coaching for his life. I’ll give you that Obi’s +/- was pretty bad tonight, but HE WAS ONLY IN THE GAME FOR 6 MINUTES!!! How in the he!! is ANYONE supposed to make any kind of contribution in 6 MINUTES?!?!

It’s simple: Obi needs to get away from Thibs, by any means necessary and legal.
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[TXFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by OSU Flyer Do they ever play Randle and Obi together?

In game 3, Randle and Obi played together for much of the 4th quarter in the Knicks loss. A very rare occurrence.

[Ready Action]

"Heat’s Erik Spoelstra ‘putting on a clinic’ against Tom Thibodeau, Knicks"

"Thibodeau has always been stubborn in sticking with his favorites."

"The Knicks’ offense has never been terribly imaginative, but Julius Randle’s isolations against Adebayo got shut down and Thibodeau had no answers."



https://nypost.com/2023/05/09/erik-s...ce=parsely-api

[BeckysTXA]

The 4th quarter was pathetic. I think the Knicks started 1-9. Didn’t matter where the shot came from…it would not go in. I think they did finally hit one or two 3s. But you’re behind 7-11 points all quarter…you need some 3s. And then the defensive rebounding. Multiple times the Heat got 3-4 offensive rebounds/2nd chances in an offensive possession. It just kept happening over and over. I eventually just starting laughing because the Knicks either could not get a defensive rebound or they get the ball and commit a turnover like stepping out of bounds.

Brunson is either playing hurt (ankle) or running out of steam because Thibs is know for running his star players in the ground with too many minutes, especially before the playoffs start, so they run out of gas during the playoffs.

Obi’s playing time in Game 5 will be very interesting. The good thing is, when he’s gotten minutes, he has played well against playoff teams. Pair that with his end-of-season games the last two years and I will be shocked if several teams don’t come knocking - hopefully with contracts the Knicks won’t match. He also has an exceptional work ethic. He can point to his improved 3 point shooting and my guess is he will be adding defensive improvements this off-season. That will probably be a lot of video study time as well as continuing to work his shot.

[Medford]

Players wearing down by seasons end and fizzling out in the playoffs? that is what Thibs does.

[Ready Action]

Randle named named third team All-NBA. Toppin will have a great game in the Garden this evening as I guarantee it!
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[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Ready Action Randle named named third team All-NBA. Toppin will have a great game in the Garden this evening as I guarantee it! Posted via Mobile Device

If you’d like to put some money on that, I’ll bet he won’t. Thibs won’t allow Obi the chance to have a great game. He’s a coach who would rather go down on a sinking ship than patch the holes in the hull.

Obi won’t get more than 14 minutes tonight (win or lose), and he won’t attempt more than 8 shots. You heard it here.

And, FWIW, Heat is up 18-12 with 2:30 to go in Q1 in MSG. And no Obi sightings yet.
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[Ready Action]

Thibs knows role players alway play better at home during the playoffs.
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[T-Bone 84]

Yet Obi hasn’t set foot on the court yet, Randle is 1-7 from the field, the Knicks are down 10 at home at the Q1/Q2 break, and Thibs looks constipated.

Edit: Obi in to start Q2.
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[Swampy Meadows]

Obi helping to lead the NYK back from what was a 10 point deficit. This helped:

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...Cxiabh8vwtAAAA

He gets 9 minutes, goes 1-2 for 2 points but snares 5 rebounds and was +12...and Knicks are now up 2.

[T-Bone 84]

Obi’s +12 in 8-1/2 minutes. We’ll see how the Knicks do now that Randle has checked back in to close-out Q2 (with the Knicks up 2).
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[Ready Action]

Brunson is the dude, but imagine if he’d trust his teammates a tad more especially the so-called second team/role players.
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[Swampy Meadows]

Thibs is 2-7 in elimination games. Obi back in to start the 4Q. Obi grabbed a key board but then had a TO. He then missed a triple. And Obi is done after 12 total minutes with 2 points and 6 rebounds.

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Thibs is 2-7 in elimination games. Obi back in to start the 4Q. Obi grabbed a key board but then had a TO. He then missed a triple. And Obi is done after 12 total minutes with 2 points and 6 rebounds.

I remember someone saying he wouldn’t see more than 14 minutes of action tonight, and would hoist a minimum number of shots. Looks like I know Thibs pretty well. And if I know Thibs pretty well, you can imagine how much of an open book he is to the NBA coaching fraternity. I bet the Heat win the series in 6 games or less.
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[frisco flyer]

Originally Posted by T-Bone 84 I remember someone saying he wouldn’t see more than 14 minutes of action tonight, and would hoist a minimum number of shots. Looks like I know Thibs pretty well. And if I know Thibs pretty well, you can imagine how much of an open book he is to the NBA coaching fraternity. I bet the Heat win the series in 6 games or less. Posted via Mobile Device

I bet 6 games or more.

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by frisco flyer I bet 6 games or more.

At least we’re in agreement that Thibs will probably not coach the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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[AZFlyer85]

Thibs SUCKS!!! Free Obi!!

[Ready Action]

Tonight’s game is going to be ugly for the Knickerbockers. Thibs will ride his “horses” regardless of the situation to which Toppin will get little run regardless of how effective his play.
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[Swampy Meadows]

Obi went 2-3 on triples for 6 points to go with 2 boards and 1 dime in 7 1H minutes.

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...CzkbWlv_8tAAAA

https://twitter.com/TheKnicksWall/st...C-7c-7v_8tAAAA
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[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Enjoyed the half-time verbal beatdown of Thibs/Randle by the commentators.

[Ready Action]

The Knicks per the great Nick Van “Excellent”…1,2,3.. CANCUN!!! The good is an offseason decision will be made regarding Randle/Toppin. Godspeed to ya in this thread during looooooong offseason ride listening to Stephen A.
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[Swampy Meadows]

Obi’s season ends with a line in the boxscore reading 12 minutes, 7 points , 3 rebounds and an assist.

Wait ‘til next year.
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[frisco flyer]

https://twitter.com/deanjoannou/stat...jIALIbqs-3-8xg

[Ready Action]

Originally Posted by frisco flyer https://twitter.com/deanjoannou/stat...jIALIbqs-3-8xg

Yep the Randle experiment is more than likely over in New York as it does not seem he nor the Knicks are happy with the current situation. The team needs to build around Brunson and Barrett. I can see the Knicks trading Randle and Toppin and drafting their replacements.
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[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by frisco flyer https://twitter.com/deanjoannou/stat...jIALIbqs-3-8xg

Don’t hold back, Stephen A. Tell us what you really think!
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[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by T-Bone 84 Don’t hold back, Stephen A. Tell us what you really think! Posted via Mobile Device

He did. http://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/37631052
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[rollo]

For you +/- supporters, Obi was a -7 and they lost by 4. Randall was a +3…Thibs should have kept Obi on the bench all game.

Further proof the +/- is worthless can be seen in the Golden State v Lakers box score. Kerr obviously should have benched his starting 5 midway thru the 1st quarter. The entire GS starting lineup was - and the entire bench was +. What more proof do you need?!
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[SeasonTicketFan]

Originally Posted by rollo For you +/- supporters, Obi was a -7 and they lost by 4. Randall was a +3…Thibs should have kept Obi on the bench all game. Further proof the +/- is worthless can be seen in the Golden State v Lakers box score. Kerr obviously should have benched his starting 5 midway thru the 1st quarter. The entire GS starting lineup was - and the entire bench was +. What more proof do you need?! Posted via Mobile Device

Math fallacy here. In a short duration, the +- is not a true measure. It is like saying a golfer has par on the first hole therefore, they should par the next 17 holes. Over the long run is where you +- becomes more relevant. Not short bursts. Look at Obis +- for the year. Much more meaningful.

Behind every stat is a story. Not the stat alone. Obi played against 2nd teams mostly. When his unit was on the floor most of the year, they showed better +-. He did not have starters playing with him either.

I don't make +- everything or simply blow it off. It is telling an important stat that should be analyzed deeper. Not just the "stat alone" to make an argument one way or another.

[Hyde Park Flyer]

Stats are just indicators. There are other factors that have to be considered. +/- is a traditional hockey stat. As a general rule, it’s used with forwards as an indicator of who is and who isn’t playing both ends of the ice. Coaches use it as a sword against scorers. It also can guide coaches in deciding lines. In basketball, it has similar relevance. The big man who doesn’t get back or the guard who always leaks out may have a poor +/-. Regardless, it reflects who is on the court with you as well. It can be useful, but, again, it’s just an indicator.

Update: I just looked up an example of this in hockey. Joe Pavelski has the 4th best +/- in the NHL, and the best +/- for a center. Connor McDavid led the NHL in scoring this year and is a center. His nickname is McJesus. He’s good. He had 151 points to Pavelski’s 77. Ain’t nobody gonna take Pavelski over McJesus!
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[jack72]

Swampy, time to change the title of this thread to "Year 3 Was Not the Charm"

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by jack72 Swampy, time to change the title of this thread to "Year 3 Was Not the Charm"

I’ve been thinking this for about 2 months and I suggested the thread title. Then after his injury recovery and when he got a chance to play when Randle was injured, I think he has shown more than enough to garner interest for a trade or high offer sheet.

Certainly not what I envisioned last fall, but if he can get moved or Randle gets traded - Which a lot of fans have been calling for, for 2 years and now commentators are joining those opinions and calling for playing Obi more -maybe…just maybe this season turns into a charm after all.

Let’s hope it does. I’ll also add, I think Obi is ready to leave NY and the Knicks as a career move. I’m not sure that was the case until the last month or so. Total speculation, but after he played so well at the end of the last 2 seasons and then again in the playoff games he started…I think he wants his time and a shot at being a major player for his team. Just like his social media post as soon as his red-shirt season ended…that night he posted something like “It was finally his time”. And, it sure as heck was. We all got to enjoy the ride with him.

[Ready Action]

https://nypost.com/2023/05/13/knicks...ars-to-pursue/

“Like Quickley, Toppin is eligible for an extension this summer, but it seems unlikely he will receive one.
His improvement this season was marginal.”

“He could be part of a trade package as illustrated above, but as long as Randle is here, his role as a Knick will be limited. His best opportunity feels like it will come elsewhere. His best opportunity feels like it will come elsewhere.”
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[FlyingArrow]

There was a play last night where Obi called his own number. Got the rebound and drove to the rim. Got fouled. Seems like the only way he gets to shoot.

[UDGutter2]

I thought the Knicks already picked up his extension for 6.8M.

[BeckysTXA]

Originally Posted by UDGutter2 I thought the Knicks already picked up his extension for 6.8M.

So did I, but I’m not an NBA contract novice, let alone expert. But it was my understanding he signed a year 4 extension for the league dictated amount based on his draft position. If he gets an offer from another team for more…the Knicks can match it. But if they don’t, Obi can accept it and move to a new team.

It sounds logical, but I’m just working off bits and pieces I’ve heard/picked up.

[FlyingArrow]

Originally Posted by UDGutter2 I thought the Knicks already picked up his extension for 6.8M.

For next year, yes. Rookie contract is 4 years. He's a restricted free agent for the following year.

[Gazoo]

Originally Posted by rollo For you +/- supporters, Obi was a -7 and they lost by 4. Randall was a +3…Thibs should have kept Obi on the bench all game. Further proof the +/- is worthless can be seen in the Golden State v Lakers box score. Kerr obviously should have benched his starting 5 midway thru the 1st quarter. The entire GS starting lineup was - and the entire bench was +. What more proof do you need?! Posted via Mobile Device

Of the 10 painful minutes of NBA postseason basketball I watched, he played like garbage.

So it tells me he didn't play all that well.

What did you expect me to say?

[Ready Action]

Knicks to part ways with GM.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...gm-scott-perry

It will be interesting to see how the new GM values Toppins skills and role with the current team.

[TXFlyerFan]

Originally Posted by Ready Action Knicks to part ways with GM. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/...gm-scott-perry It will be interesting to see how the new GM values Toppins skills and role with the current team.

I would expect nothing to change on that front. Still hope Obi gets traded this summer to a team that will use him for his strengths while continuing to help him improve in areas of weakness.

[Ivan]

Just came across this......

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba...4322573f&ei=36

[longtimefan67]

Older post, sorry if it's been posted before. I like the comment also about Obi's time at Dayton: "The Dayton star averaged 20 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in his final season on what many considered the top offense in the country. Because of this, Toppin captured nearly every player of the year honor."

https://dailycampus.com/2023/03/30/c...0the%20process.

[Bill McPeek]

It appears that Obi is voicing some discontent.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba...9711607a&ei=15

[T-Bone 84]

Should initiation of the “Fourth Year’s The Charm” thread wait until the start of the 2023-24 training camp, can we start it right after the draft, or should we wait for a trade that, at this point, should be inevitable?
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[Swampy Meadows]

Let's leave the naming of the 4th year thread up to MB poster BeckysTXA--she was the one that came up with the title for Obi's 3rd campaign.

[Bucketnight]

Originally Posted by Bill McPeek It appears that Obi is voicing some discontent. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba...9711607a&ei=15

When an unnamed source has indicated a player is unhappy but hasn't voiced their discontent to avoid causing waves, you can pretty much count on the player has recently told the agent it's time you earn your 3%.

Good for him

[T-Bone 84]

Originally Posted by Swampy Meadows Let's leave the naming of the 4th year thread up to MB poster BeckysTXA--she was the one that came up with the title for Obi's 3rd campaign.

I was merely noting that Obi’s 3rd year had come and gone, and that it was far from the “charm” that we had all hoped it would be. I was not trying to usurp anyone’s authority.
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[Swampy Meadows]

No problem T-Bone. I started the thread; she came up with the name. There’s no authority to usurp. As always if you want to start a thread go for it!
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[zmz723]

Audio from Obi and Thibs: https://twitter.com/letstalkknicks_/...khSgn2UaH_0Bgw

Good for him…He got jerked around for 3 years and he isn’t exactly young for being on a rookie contract. The fact this got leaked means he’s definitely being traded 🙏
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[flyerfanatic86]

Originally Posted by zmz723 Audio from Obi and Thibs: https://twitter.com/letstalkknicks_/...khSgn2UaH_0Bgw Good for him…He got jerked around for 3 years and he isn’t exactly young for being on a rookie contract. The fact this got leaked means he’s definitely being traded 🙏 Posted via Mobile Device

Have to wonder who leaked it. Wouldn't think this would help his trade value from the front office side of things. So was it Obi's camp or Thibs?

[Ready Action]

The clock is ticking Knickerbockers, hurry up and do something.

https://nypost.com/2023/06/22/knicks...023-nba-draft/

[longtimefan67]

Originally Posted by flyerfanatic86 Have to wonder who leaked it. Wouldn't think this would help his trade value from the front office side of things. So was it Obi's camp or Thibs?

There’s no way to verify if that was even Obi let alone from even the last 20 years. Garbled audio? C’mon man
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[Bill McPeek]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba...rt/ar-AA1cUs0X

[Bucketnight]

UDFA Jacob Toppin signed with the Knicks right after the draft. So, at least for now, will join Obi as teammates in NY.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1...7Ctwgr%5Etweet

[Buckleyma]

With the Knicks signing Jacob Toppin to a contract it doesn’t sound like Obi Toppin is on his way out of the Knicks organization to me.
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[SeasonTicketFan]

Advice to Jacob.

1. Practice standing in the corner a lot.
2. Don't practice shooting any shots other than the 3-point shot.

[Marysville Flyer]

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketFan Advice to Jacob. 1. Practice standing in the corner a lot. 2. Don't practice shooting any shots other than the 3-point shot.

Well this makes all the sense in the world. The Knicks have undeniably the best corner stander in the NBA. Why wouldn't you want to take a flyer on his brother?

Either that or Jacob was an accomplice in whatever dirty deed that was done to Thibs and this is payback and retribution time for Jacob.

[Flyers98]

Originally Posted by SeasonTicketFan Advice to Jacob. 1. Practice standing in the corner a lot. 2. Don't practice shooting any shots other than the 3-point shot.

I have always had the feeling, and I could be 100% wrong that the front office feels differently about Obi than Thibbs does. Thibbs is the kind of coach who would make it clear before taking a job that he is the coach not the front office. So my uneducated assumption is that this may have been a fairly inexpensive gesture to let Obi know that he is still loved, (and they also pick up a potentially good player in the process).

None of that changes anything for Obi. Even if Thibbs were fired, he isn't going to start in lieu of Randall. He still needs to find a new home, (unless they trade Randall, which maybe isn't that crazy. He seems to me to be one of those players who is great but for one reason or another isn't going to lead you to the promised land).