The Atlanta Hawks are set to add former New York Knicks wing Jacob Toppin to their roster. Once he clears waivers, Toppin will sign a two-way contract with the Hawks, per NBA insider Jake Fischer. This move gives Toppin eligibility for double-digit games as the Hawks look to reinforce their depth.
Toppin, 24, went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft but quickly caught the attention of the Knicks. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract with New York on July 6, 2023, before his deal was converted into a two-way contract on October 22, 2023. His NBA debut came on December 5, 2023, in a high-scoring loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he made his first appearance on the court for New York.
While his NBA minutes have been limited, Toppin has spent significant time with the Westchester Knicks, New York’s G League affiliate. There, he has impressed with his strong performances, averaging 24.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 37.1 minutes per game this season. His production in the G League has made him an appealing option for NBA teams looking for potential contributors.
Toppin’s brief stints with the Knicks this season saw him appear in 16 games, where he posted averages of 0.4 points and 0.7 rebounds in just 3.1 minutes per game. Despite limited NBA experience, his standout numbers in the G League show the potential the Hawks are hoping to tap into with this signing.
The Hawks, currently 9th in the Eastern Conference with a 28-34 record, are looking to strengthen their roster ahead of a crucial stretch run. Toppin’s versatility and scoring ability give Atlanta another option as they fight for a playoff spot in the competitive East. The two-way contract will allow Toppin to split time between the Hawks and their G League affiliate, giving him the opportunity to continue his development.
This move comes just days after Toppin was waived by the Knicks, who made the decision to part ways with him on March 2. Now, Toppin will look to make an impact with the Hawks as they work to remain in playoff contention.
