“Not Going to Take This For Granted”- Obi Toppin Fights Back Tears After Being Drafted by New York Knicks

Obi Toppin saw a childhood dream come true when Adam Silver announced him being drafted with the 8th pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. The unanimous College Player of the Year last season, Toppin is one of the older prospects in this year’s draft. He may also have the best floor to come in and contribute at a high level. He was drafted by the New York Knicks. Coincidentally, Toppin grew up in New York.

This enormity of the decision wasn’t lost on him, as he was overcome with emotion after hearing his name being called out. He was visibly in tears and had a hard time finishing his interview. However, he got through it and the happiness on his face was obvious. Toppin will be playing where he grew up, in the Mecca of basketball at Madison Square Garden.

Toppin said, “I am from New York, that’s why this is important. Me reppin’ my city, it’s amazing. A lot of people pray to be in this position and I am not going to take this for granted, I promise you that.”

Toppin was born in Brooklyn and did a fair share of his schooling in the city. While he did move around, he is a New Yorker through and through.

Obi Toppin: Hometown hero?

Can Obi Toppin really change the state of the Knicks? While the team must be overjoyed that he actually fell to 8, they now need to put him in a position to dominate and succeed. The MSG faithful, who always look for entertainment, should love his aggressive play-style and ferocious dunks. But winning will also be required.

After decades of mediocrity, the Knicks will be hoping that this draft pick works out and that they can develop their current young nucleus into a championship contender. They have a good squad with young players and a lot of flexibility. But what is the point of flexibility if no player looks at you as competent? Toppin, along with players like Mitchell Robinson and R.J. Barrett can prove them wrong. However, this is only if the Knicks manage to be consistent for a year and actually progress to entice free agents in 2021.