Obi Toppin Injury: Third-Year New York Knick is ‘Getting Better,’ But …

What’s the view from Toppin? Don’t expect concrete details.
Speaking publicly for the first time since suffering a knee injury in the New York Knicks’ Dec. 7 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Obi Toppin had no timetable for his return to the hardwood. Toppin was initially given a diagnosis 2-3 weeks after the illness.
“We’ve been progressing, getting better. But there’s no timetable for when I’ll be back,” Toppin said, per the New York Post. “We’re just taking it day by day, getting better every day and working on things.”
Despite the lack of clarity, Toppin was generally in an upbeat mood, noting that “everything has been good” as he tries to shake off an ailment that appeared to stem from a collision with Atlanta’s Aaron Holiday. Toppin also didn’t rule out the idea of defending his Slam Dunk Contest title in Salt Lake City this February, hinting that it was too early to make a full decision.
He further revealed that he has been cleared for light shooting training, but “some further re-evaluations” … none of which are scheduled at this time … will be necessary before he is in able to participate in full practices.
“It’s definitely tough, but at the same time I’m trying to get back as fast as I can,” Toppin said. “I’m not frustrated, but I definitely want to be out there with those guys. Things happen. You just have to think positive. Good things will happen.”
Toppin was speaking before the Knicks (18-17) endured a heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night at the American Airlines Center. In 25 games, Toppin averaged 7.7 points and a career-best 3.8 rebounds. He is in his third year in New York since the team brought him on board as the eighth pick in the 2020 draft.
Since he’s been sidelined, coach Tom Thibodeau’s most recent lineups have covered Toppin’s post duties with a mix of the Knicks’ three centers, Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims. Robinson’s season-best performance on Tuesday (20 points, 16 rebounds) was forgotten after Luka Docic’s mastery in Dallas’ 126-121 overtime victory.
While the results haven’t been on the scoreboard… Tuesday’s loss was the fourth straight for the Knicks… Toppin expressed his appreciation for the way his teammates have filled in, especially Julius Randle. The Knicks’ leading scorer also had a struggling performance Tuesday (29 points, 18 rebounds), but he’s averaging 30.8 points per game on 54 percent shooting over the past four games.
“They played well. I know the last two games haven’t gone our way, but I feel like everybody’s doing their job, having fun, moving the ball,” Toppin noted, per Newsday. “Especially Ju, he’s been playing great for we. He should continue to do so for sure. And we’re going to be a really good team when we all come together.”
The Knicks take on the middle leg of their three-game road trip in Texas on Thursday night when they take on the San Antonio Spurs (8 p.m. ET, MSG).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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