The New York Knicks’ journey to becoming a formidable force in the NBA has been marked by a series of strategic decisions, some of which have been more impactful than others. While the current outlook for the franchise appears bright, the path to contention has included its share of missteps, particularly highlighted by a notable pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
A decision that frequently surfaces in discussions of the Knicks’ front office history is the selection of Obi Toppin with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The move was initially envisioned as securing a future replacement for All-NBA forward Julius Randle, yet it placed Toppin in a challenging position behind an established star, limiting his immediate path to significant playing time.
Despite his talent as a former College Player of the Year, Toppin’s tenure with the New York Knicks was overshadowed by Randle’s consistent presence. The organization later traded Toppin to the Indiana Pacers for minimal return. Ironically, Toppin has since developed into an important rotation player for the Pacers, a team that has twice eliminated the Knicks in the postseason.
Fortunately for the Knicks, Randle’s continued development into an All-NBA caliber talent provided the team with crucial leverage. This growth not only facilitated key free agency additions in 2022 but also enabled the impactful trade that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, significantly elevating the Knicks’ ceiling and championship aspirations.
With the Mikal Bridges extension recently finalized, the New York Knicks are now acutely focused on completing their 18-man roster for the upcoming season. The team has made initial moves, agreeing to terms with 2025 second-round pick Mo Diawara, but several open roster spots remain, signaling ongoing strategic adjustments by the front office.
According to insider reports, the Knicks are currently weighing their options for the final roster spot, with former Nets guard Ben Simmons and veteran wing Landry Shamet emerging as primary considerations. Each player presents a distinct skill set that could address specific needs within the current Knicks roster, reflecting the team’s careful approach to roster construction.
Ben Simmons, when healthy, offers an elite defensive presence, capable of guarding multiple positions. His playmaking and rebounding abilities would complement the offensive prowess of stars like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges, providing an off-ball contributor who thrives near the basket. However, Simmons’ injury history and market demand pose significant challenges.
Conversely, Landry Shamet represents a more conventional choice, offering reliable three-point shooting and defensive capabilities as a “3-and-D” wing. His consistent veteran presence off the bench, evidenced by solid shooting splits and occasional double-figure scoring games, could provide the Knicks with a predictable and valuable contributor, addressing a potential need for consistent perimeter threats.
Ultimately, while the 2020 NBA Draft’s Obi Toppin selection might be viewed as a missed opportunity, the New York Knicks’ subsequent strategic trades and astute roster moves have largely overshadowed that initial misstep. The current front office has successfully navigated past challenges, positioning the team closer to achieving its goal of an NBA championship through a flurry of impactful decisions.
