Knicks regret trading Obi Toppin

Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News highlights how the Knicks’ decision to part ways with Obi Toppin at a low cost two years ago is increasingly looking like a mistake as Toppin now plays a key role for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.

Toppin, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2020 draft, had a solid three-year stint in New York but was limited by his role behind the Knicks’ starting power forward, Julius Randle.

Winfield points out that with Randle traded to Minnesota last October, Toppin fits the profile of the kind of athletic big man the Knicks could use off their bench now.

The trade return from Indiana was minimal – just second-round picks in 2028 and 2029, which looks like a poor deal given how well Toppin has developed.

He’s thrived with the Pacers, averaging 9.8 points and 3.9 rebounds over 22 playoff games, shooting nearly 50% from the field, 33% from three-point range, and 69% from the free-throw line.

Interestingly, he’s succeeded in laying the very role the Knicks once doubted he could fill: backing up a star power forward, this time Pascal Siakam.

Winfield also criticizes the Knicks’ management for a pattern of giving up too quickly on young talent during Tom Thibodeau’s tenure, citing players like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Quentin Grimes as examples.

While recent draft additions such as Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Kevin McCullar, and Ariel Hukporti, plus potential newcomer James Nnaji, might offer hope for the future, Winfield questions if the Knicks will allow these young players to develop and prove themselves.