Obi, Obi, Obi
The Knicks passed on Tyrese Halliburton and took Obi Toppin as the sooner rather than later replacement for the disappointing Julius Randle. Toppin was also rated as the most NBA ready player. Abra kadabra, Randle became an all-star and MIP for 2020-21. Even though Jules regressed to the career edition of himself in 2021 – 22, the Knicks were saddled with him and his new contract. Toppins play at the end of last year and in te preseason has been superior to Randle’s. Leon Rose can’t ignore the Toppin Randle controversy.
Thibs had to wheel jules out. As sour as his disposition was while getting 30+ mpg, imagine his effect on the team if he was forced to play behind Toppin. The Knicks minimized the demand for Obi by limiting his minutes in what turned out to be a totally wasted year for the entire team. The spark that finally emerged once Jules had to sit due to an injury, burst into flame at the end of the season.
The conflagration is upon Knicks management. Obi Toppin has lit up the Garden. The best part of his break away dunks was that Obi’s defense made them possible with a partial block and a steal. His threes are not always going to swish, but his energy, attitude and improved defense will be there every night. If Thibs makes the line ups, and he is a man of his word, ‘playing time is earned’, then Obi Toppin looks like the starting PF for the NY Knicks.
While Toppin was playing within the team concept, most of Jules points came off ISO play. When Halliburton launched his end to end pass for a layup, both Reddish and Randle were down court, but neither challenged the scorer. The camera was busy panning the crowd, so whether either should have been in the lane is impossible to judge.
Knicks management must move Julius Randle. This was apparent at the end of last season. Jules worked very hard on his body this summer, but his physical abilities have never been questioned. He moved from team to team because he was a selfish player uninterested in playing D. This is Julius Randle’s ‘comfort zone’ and he will always return to it. Jules BB IQ has never been a plus.
If Thibs continues to start Jules, let’s hope it is to improve his trade value. (Imagine if the Knicks had traded IQ, Obi and RJ for DM)