Since coming to the Knicks as the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Dayton, Toppin has become a key reserve for head coach Tom Thibodeau.
With the move, as first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 2020 first-round pick is now under contract with the Knicks through the 2023-24 campaign.
The 6-foot-9 forward has become a fan favorite with the Knicks because of his athleticism and work ethic. When Toppin checks into a game, the energy, and the pace, picks up.
“You get energy from him every day, he’s always high energy. I think that’s contagious. The body language is telling you something. He’s a breath of fresh air,” Thibodeau said of Toppin. “He’s worked hard at [defense], there’s still a ways to go, but he’s made great strides.”
Last season, Toppin averaged a 20 points over his final 10 games, opening eyes across the league with his improved play.
A native of Brooklyn, Toppin won the National College Player of the Year Award in 2020.
Over the summer, Toppin put in the work to improve his overall game, specifically on defense. That’s one big way to stay on the good side of his head coach. The high-flying dunks are great, moreover, the ability to run the court is just as great. It’s buying in on defense — along with the other things, however, that keeps you on the court for Thibodeau.
Toppin has averaged 6.8 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 52.2 percent from the field across 137 career games. He has per-game averages of 9.3 points and 3.7 boards during the early stages this season.
With Toppin’s contract option picked up, the Knicks must now decide on Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes. With the deadline to pick up their options set for Monday, expectations are strong the Knicks will do just that.
The Knicks (2-1) will be back in action Wednesday night when they host the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
