The Knicks absolutely wanted it. The franchise “was dying” and had tried everything, until the last moment, to get into this Draft and thus not see it slip through their fingers. But eventually, with their 8th pick, New York managed to get their hands on Obi Toppin.
The former Dayton player, who won five of six NCAA best player trophies last season, will form a future line with Mitchell Robinson and RJ Barrett.
“I have the impression that RJ and I are going to be a good duo”, he announces to SNY. “It will be like what I did with Jalen Crutcher in Dayton. Barrett and I are going to put a lot of teams in difficulty, especially on pick-and-rolls. We will be a very dynamic duo and we will prove it in the upcoming exercise. “
“Put New York back on the map”
As often, the promises are beautiful in New York. But year after year, the Knicks disappoint. The challenge for Obi Toppin is therefore immense, especially since he is very attached to this city.
” I come from New York (he was born in Brooklyn), that’s why it’s important. Representing my city is incredible. A lot of people pray to be in this position. I want to put New York back on the map. “
For this, we will have to shine under the orders of a rigorous coach, Tom Thibodeau, who is above all a defensive technician. Obi Toppin therefore knows that he will have to make an effort, and that he will not be able to hide.
“I learned a lot about the coach during the pandemic, and I understood that he was a defensive coach. This is one of the most important things that I’m going to need to work on. I think that with him as a coach, I will be more focused in this area. I feel that if I improve in defense, I will become a great player one day. A very strong player. “
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