I know it’s only been 2 games, but I’m just wondering how you are feeling about Obi Toppin right now?
Personally I still like him, but I’m not sure he can play his game with the starters as there is such a big defensive emphasis. He has clearly been told to crash the glass so those easy dunks on the break aren’t really available. Defensively he simply doesn’t appear to have what we need either.
In saying all that I still think he has a place on the roster, but might be more capable of playing his game in the 2nd unit. I just have no idea who would replace him as the starter.
In Obi’s defense none of the starters have been all that impressive so far, especially in the first quarter and none showed any real consistency tonight. I’m gonna chalk that up to there being 3 new guys in the lineup (Math Brown Toppin). They are still getting the feel for each other. Meanwhile the second unit is on fire which just happens to be composed entirely of guys who had a whole season playing together. Makes sense to me. Obi is going to find his niche here. He’s got a great attitude and all the physical tools. Also ya gotta remember he’s raw like Aaron and Jalen were last year. The Knicks didn’t develop him properly.
All that being said were also 2 and 0 and as long as the second unit is playing like this I wouldn’t tinker with that. Suppose Rick could see what Walker looks like with the starters but I don’t think that’s warranted yet. Obi doesn’t look lost or anything. He had a pretty good opener too.