By the way I just want to carve out a post thanking Obi Toppin for that dunk last night.
I sat there with a dumb smile on my face for a full two minutes afterwards.
Never ever seen a Knick do anything like that in a game.
That was special.
Wish it had come in a win.
I have been a Toppin booster/enthusiast through thick and thin, through thin and THINNER.
His motor.
His enthusiasm.
One of the few Knicks who displays a predilection for CUTTING.
That jam should have been a booster shot for the Knicks.
Instead, it seemed to trigger the Pacers.
He has improved his defense.
His conditioning and energy give us a burst when he is on the court, getting out in transition. His confidence and aplomb in playing in the blocks, with his back to the basket, is tantalizing.
"Give him more minutes."
We are seeing more and more deployment in small ball sets with Julius.
However, he came out of college with the rep of being more than just a slam dunk highglight reel.
So far, as a pro, this three point shooting has been mostly dreadful.
He is 8-41 so far this season.
RJ stepped up. I see no reason why Obi cannot. And no doubt, he is putting in the work.
How much is due to inconsistent playing time. How much due to the feel of the new ball?
In any event, I love Obi, and am enjoying the arc of his growth, but he's got a ways to go.