New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin enjoyed his time on the court during the preseason but the eighth overall pick is ready to move on and play in games that count.
The 22-year-old said this week that all he has done in advance of the season opener on Wednesday versus the Indiana Pacers is practice, hit the weight room and rest at home. He isn’t taking any chances of being anywhere he isn’t supposed to be in order to follow proper health protocols.
Toppin averaged 7.3 points and six rebounds in four preseason games while he shot 37.9% from the field. He has watched plenty of film with the coaching staff on the areas in which can be improved and is prepared for the increased level of intensity in the regular season.
“Everybody has been talking about the difference just because it is real,” Toppin said on Tuesday. “My Coach at Dayton used to put it into terms like the preseason games are rubber bullets and when you get into the real games that count, those are real bullets. We’re jumping into the fire and it’s a quick turnaround, it’s not what everybody is used to. This opportunity for me to be in this position is a blessing so I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m super excited.”
Toppin projects to play a large role with the Knicks this season and could be among the players to watch in the Rookie of the Year race. He figures to see plenty of playing time, and if he can be productive, that will go a long way in helping the Knicks on the court.
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