Pacers Report Cards: Grading every Pacers player through the All-Star break
By Mueez Azfar
Obi Toppin
Stats: 57 Games, 22.5 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 0.9 TOV, 1.8 FPG 56.8/40.3/74.7 Splits on 66.8% TS
From relative inconsistency to consistency, Obi Toppin's 2023-24 campaign has been just that. Ever since putting a Pacers uniform on afte, Toppin has by far been Indiana's most consistent scorer despite not putting up insane numbers.
So far this season, Toppin ranks 17th in field goal percentage at 56.8%, first in 2-point percentage with 68.9%, 43rd in three-point percentage at 40.3%, fifth in effective field goal percentage at 65.3%, and seventh in true shooting percentage, at 66.8%. Long story short, Toppin is statistically one of the best at putting the ball in the basket this season.
While Toppin has struggled with other facets of his game this season, namely defense and individual rebounding, he has still had his positive moments on those sides as well. For one, while Toppin may not be a well-suited defender for every offensive player, his defense was key in slowing Jimmy Butler down in the second Indiana/Miami matchup to help the Pacers pick up a win without Tyrese Haliburton.
As for rebounding, while Toppin's 3.9 rebound average may seem underwhelming for a player with his size and athleticism, the Pacers are still a better rebounding team with him on the floor, and that is what matters more in the end. Overall, Toppin has been a bright spot on this team, and despite being in trade rumors near the deadline, he is still a Pacer and will certainly get some run in the playoffs.