Julius Randle Talks Obi Toppin Leaving The Knicks

The New York Knicks are essentially on the verge of becoming a consistent playoff team for the next few years.

With the core of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.

While the Knicks enjoyed great success last season, Obi Toppin wasn’t really a part of it.

Keeping that in mind, the Knicks decided to trade Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers for two future second-round draft picks earlier this offseason.

Julius Randle recently shared his reaction to the trade via Knicks Videos on Twitter as the All-Star forward understood how hard it was for Toppin to compete for a spot in the starting five behind him.

“That’s my guy, man. He was in a tough spot playing behind me. He was more than a great teammate, he’s going to be great out there,” Randle said.

Julius Randle reacts to Obi Toppin being traded to the Pacers:

“That’s my guy, man. He was in a tough spot playing behind me. He was more than a great teammate, he’s going to be great out there.” pic.twitter.com/W7V0TLMy2n

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) October 3, 2023

Being drafted as the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Toppin was expected to be a core member of the Knicks.

But, the organization decided to part ways with him after just three seasons.

During those three years, Toppin averaged 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game for the Knicks.

Considering he played just 14.3 minutes per game for the Knicks over the last three seasons, Toppin’s numbers aren’t that bad.

Moreover, he was only given the opportunity to start for the team in 10 games.

With the Pacers heading toward an inevitable rebuilding phase, Toppin could flourish and reach his full potential.

But as far as his journey with the Knicks is considered, it met an abrupt end earlier this summer.

Hopefully, he will find his groove once the 2023-24 NBA season gets underway.

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