The New York Knicks’ recent resurgence highlights a shrewd front office, demonstrating an impressive ability to build a formidable team. Yet, even the most astute basketball executives can face strategic miscalculations, as evidenced by a particular 2020 NBA Draft selection that some now view as a significant slip-up amidst an otherwise triumphant period.
An insider perspective points to the team’s decision to draft former Dayton star Obi Toppin with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft as one such misstep. While Toppin arrived with considerable college accolades, his fit within the Knicks’ evolving roster and long-term vision would soon be called into question, leading to a complex situation for both the player and the franchise.
From the outset, Obi Toppin faced an uphill battle for playing time, primarily due to the presence of All-NBA power forward Julius Randle. With Randle firmly established as a cornerstone of the Knicks’ offense, Toppin, who played a similar position, found his path to significant minutes consistently obstructed, hindering his development and impact within the team’s rotation.
Ultimately, the Knicks opted to trade Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers for a minimal return, a move that initially puzzled some observers. However, Toppin subsequently developed into an important rotation player for the Pacers, notably contributing to their success, even playing a role in the Pacers eliminating the Knicks in the postseason in consecutive seasons following his departure.
Adding to the complexity of the 2020 NBA Draft decision, Toppin was selected ahead of several key players who blossomed into All-Stars elsewhere. Most notably, Tyrese Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey, both dynamic guards, have since emerged as premier talents in the league, underscoring the potential missed opportunity for the New York Knicks.
Despite the Toppin situation, the Knicks experienced significant fortune with Julius Randle’s unexpected blossoming into an All-NBA level talent. Randle’s exceptional performance not only provided a strong foundation for the team but also enhanced their appeal to free agents, attracting key additions in 2022 and further solidifying the roster’s core.
This sustained success, anchored by Randle’s growth, eventually enabled a pivotal trade that dramatically elevated the team’s ceiling: acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns. The addition of Towns, an elite offensive talent, has significantly bolstered the Knicks’ competitive standing, putting them firmly in contention for deep playoff runs and championship aspirations.
While the drafting of Obi Toppin in 2020 might remain a point of hypothetical regret given the players they could have selected, it stands as an isolated anomaly in an otherwise brilliant sequence of strategic decisions. The New York Knicks’ ability to pivot and make a flurry of impactful moves since then has undeniably put them on a strong trajectory towards winning an NBA title, turning a perceived slip-up into a minor footnote in their remarkable ascent.
