Obi Toppin, number 8 in the 2020 Draft, is crazy about making his debut at Madison Square Garden. And he will be able to fulfill his dream this next morning from 01:30 Spanish hours in the third game of the preseason against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“It will be incredible,” Obi Toppin admitted to NY Post. “I am from here. I’ve been watching the Knicks my whole life. My family has been a Knicks fan before I was born. Having the opportunity to step on this court with my teammates and compete against another team is going to be great. I can’t wait for this moment to come, ”he explained.
The Knicks had high hopes of picking him in the draft; however, everything pointed to the position number 5 in possession of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Eventually the Ohio franchise opted for defensive forward Isaac Okoro, and New Yorkers were able to achieve their goal with the Dayton player.
“We loved Obi in the interviews,” acknowledged Cleveland coach JB Bickerstaff. “It was one of the best meals and conversations I have ever had with a draft project. His personality, the way he goes about his affairs… There were questions we asked him and he always put the team first. It was never about him. He never cared about that, ”he added.
“He always cared about his teammates. We wish you the best from now on. He has a very broad skill set. He was a fantastic kid, ”Bickerstaff said.
Okoro, also an object of desire for the Knicks, has stood out this past week. In his victories against the Indiana Pacers he has collected 15 points and 4 rebounds; and 18 points and 3 steals, including the crash-winning basket.
“I’m excited to be able to play anyone. It is a blessing for me to be in a position to play against any team in the league, “concluded Toppin.
For his part, mixed luck for the Knicks rookie. In the first victory against Detroit he amassed 11 points and 7 rebounds; and in the defeat of the second day, he had 4 points and 4 rebounds with 1/9 in field goals.
(Cover photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images)
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