CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On paper, it’s not an enormous loss. Obi Toppin averages 17.1 minutes and seven.7 factors per recreation. However his worth to the Knicks goes far past his statistics.
“Lacking Obi is a giant factor,” RJ Barrett stated after shootaround forward of Friday’s night time’s recreation towards the Hornets. “He’s such a ball of vitality, man, going on the market. When he’s on the market we simply play sooner. We play so a lot better.”
The Knicks must dwell with out that vitality for some time. Toppin, who was taking pictures a career-best 35.1 % from 3-point vary, suffered a non-displaced fracture in his proper fibula throughout the second quarter of the Knicks’ win over the Hawks on the Backyard on Wednesday night time. The 24-year-old reserve and fan favourite shall be reevaluated in 2-3 weeks, the staff stated on Thursday.
“That’s a man, his vitality and spirit, you at all times know he’s going to have a smile on his face,” Barrett stated. “He’s going to carry constructive vitality. In order that’s going to be missed for positive.”
Stated Immanuel Quickley: “Positively a giant absence.”
Coach Tom Thibodeau had minimize his rotation all the way down to 9 previous to Toppin’s harm, sending Derrick Rose and Cam Reddish to the bench. With Toppin out, Thibodeau might merely play eight guys or give Rose or Reddish a shot.
Thibodeau talked about utilizing Barrett as an undersized 4 occasionally, one thing he did final yr. The 6-foot-8 Reddish might make sense as effectively if Thibodeau chooses to reinsert him into the rotation.
“Different groups play small these days anyway,” Barrett stated. “I believe it’ll work for us a little bit bit. We choose our spots. It might work.”
As for a rise in minutes, Barrett was unfazed. Whereas he's already main the Knicks at 33.5 minutes per recreation, that determine is more likely to rise.
“Keep in mind after I was enjoying 37? Yeah, so I’m good,” he stated with a smile.
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