Less than two years ago, the Indiana Pacers acquired Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks for just two second-round picks. Now, the Brooklyn native is playing a key role on a Pacers team that is just one win away from an NBA Championship, and it is fair to say that his full potential is finally being realized in these NBA Finals.
Toppin scored 17 points in Games 1 and 4, 12 points in 22 minutes in Game 5, and a team-high 20 points in Indiana's Game 6 victory. In six games (all off the bench) this series, Toppin is averaging 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 48.3% from the field and 39.4% from beyond the arc.
Since joining the Pacers, Toppin has developed into a legitimate weapon off the bench, and he has played a big role during his stint with the team. However, when the team needed him the most, he has turned it up another level, and the 27-year-old may have finally found his groove and should only continue to get better from here.
Obi Toppin has been amazing in the NBA Finals
If the Pacers win Game 7 (and their first-ever NBA title), it is safe to assume Toppin will not take home the NBA Finals MVP award. Even so, his importance to the team cannot be understated.
The Dayton alum has provided excellent bench scoring in the Finals, and he provides great energy. Toppin is arguably the most important player on Indiana's second unit (which says a lot given how impactful T.J. McConnell has been over the last few games), and the Pacers likely would not be as successful as they are right now without his presence.
While he still has a long way to go to be considered an all-around player, Toppin has improved greatly in every phase of the game. He has become a more efficient and versatile scorer while also providing a bit more value as a rebounder and on the defensive side of the ball.
One of the most unique elements of Indiana's roster structure is just how deep they are, and the fact that anybody can lead the way on any given night. A big reason for this is because of Toppin and what he brings to the table. He led the team in scoring in a pivotal Game 6, and he is constantly showing up when the team needs him. With the team just a win away from being able to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy, they will need to continue Toppin's number as much as possible, because it has worked very well for them up to this point.