After looking into trading up in the draft, the Knicks stayed at No. 8 and selected Dayton's Obi Toppin.
In Toppin, they get a player widely viewed as the best offensive forward in college basketball. Toppin, a New York native, was subpar on the defensive end, so it will be interesting to see how head coach Tom Thibodeau and his development staff can help Toppin on that end of the floor.
Overcome with emotion shortly after being selected, Toppin called the pick a "blessing" while thanking his parents, teammates, and coaches.
What did it mean to Toppin to be drafted by the Knicks?
"I'm from New York, that's why it's important," Toppin said. "Me repping my city, it's amazing. A lot of people pray to be in this position. I’m not going to take it for granted."
The 6-foot-9 forward from Dayton had a stellar sophomore season, averaging 20 points on 63 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steal per game en route to being named the AP Player of the Year, and picking up the Naismith and Wooden Awards.
His athleticism was unparalleled last season as he led the nation with 107 dunks. Pairing that ability and scoring prowess with RJ Barrett could create a 1-2 punch for New York.
“As one of the highest ranked players on our draft board, Obi was someone we really coveted," Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement. "He’s an explosive athlete and one of the most dynamic players in college basketball, which earned him the Naismith Player of the Year.”
Once the draft is behind them, New York will focus on free agency. The club could have significant cap space to use, based on what it decides to do with several player options for next season. (As SNY has reported, Reggie Bullock’s salary is expected to be guaranteed for 2020-21).
With Toppin on board, Knicks president Leon Rose and his group probably won’t be spending a lot of money on a forward in free agency. But they still have needs all over the roster.
Teams can start to talk to free agents on Friday night.