INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks walks across the court in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks walks across the court in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 05, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Knicks News

3 Backup power forward options Knicks can explore after Obi Toppin trade

by Jeremy Goldstein
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On Saturday, New York Knicks fan favorite and 2020 No. 8 overall pick Obi Toppin was traded to the Indiana Pacers for a pair of second-round picks.

When Toppin was selected by the Knicks out of Dayton, fans and analysts expected him to step in as the next starting power forward for the orange and blue after a trade partner was found for current starter Julius Randle. Despite this, Randle broke out during the 2020-2021 NBA campaign, notching his first All-Star and All-NBA selections while winning the league’s ‘Most Improved Player’ award.

After Randle proved he was one of the league’s best at the 4 position, Toppin was left in his shadow. The Brooklyn native has never averaged more than 17.1 minutes per game during an entire season and only received 15 starts in his three-year career with the Knicks.

Knicks need to explore backup power forward options after Obi Toppin trade

Regardless of where you stand on the whole Randle/Toppin debate, the fact is that the Knicks need a backup power forward of some kind.

Here are three options for the New York Knicks can explore at the secondary 4 spot.

Next: Keeping it in house

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