Report: Knicks pick up Obi Toppin’s 4th yr option

As expected, the New York Knicks have picked up the fourth-year option of Obi Toppin.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news.

Toppin, a fan-favorite in New York, is averaging 9.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in his third season. He will be eligible for an extension next summer.

The eighth overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, Toppin has yet to fully realize his potential as he lags behind Julius Randle in the Knicks rotation. But he’s a proven productive player when given the opportunity, as he did in the last season’s final five games (27.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists).

“He brings life into everything he does. He walks into the building and there is a bounce to him. He energizes the team, and you can feed off that but when he is playing defense and getting out and we can play fast…. everything is fast with him. Defensively, he’s working hard at it. There’s still a ways to go but he’s made great strides.”

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau

Toppin currently has the third-best net rating (9.0) in the team after RJ Barrett’s 11.3 and Isaiah Hartenstein’s 9.3.

The Knicks also have to make a decision until Oct. 31 on Immanuel Quickley’s fourth-year option and Quentin Grimes’ third-year option.

Quickley is the Knicks’ second-best playmaker, averaging 5.0 assists behind starting point guard Jalen Brunson’s 7.0.

Meanwhile, Grimes has yet to play this season following a left foot soreness that has been bothering him since the training camp.

Toppin and the Knicks will wrap up a three-game homestand Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets.