Despite entering the year on a brand-new contract, some speculated whether Obi Toppin was more of a trade candidate for the Indiana Pacers than a long-term asset. He is not likely to assume a larger role in Indiana any time soon, and his contract is considered a very tradable one. Additionally, depnding on the progression of Jarace Walker, Toppin could also be part of a logjam for the Pacers.
This notion was doubled ahead of last month's trade deadline. In December, ESPN's Bobby Marks said that Toppin was the most likely trade candidate for the Pacers to give them financial flexibility. Ultimately, the Pacers opted to keep him.
With Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin likely in line for new contracts this offseason, the Pacers are going to become a very expensive team real soon. Naturally, trading Toppin could make sense strictly from a financial perspective. However, the second-year Pacer is playing himself into the team's long-term future, and the team still has some tough decisions they need to make this offseason.
Pacers must decide between Obi Toppin or financial flexibility
While most of his numbers are down from last season, there is no doubt that Toppin is still an important part of the Pacers' roster. This was especially evident in their victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Heading into the game, the Timberwolves were on an eight-game winning streak and were fully healthy. As for the Pacers, they were without four of their five starters (and Andrew Nembhard, the lone active starter, was ejected in the third quarter). Even so, they defeated the red-hot Timberwolves in overtime, largely due to Toppin's performance.
In the win, Toppin recorded 34 points on 12-for-19 shooting (including an incredible 7-for-10 from the three-point line), 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block. The Brooklyn native also hit the game-winning shot in overtime. Toppin also made an impact on the defensive end, an area he has improved in drastically this season. Not only was this potentially his best game this season, but it may have been his best game ever in a Pacers uniform.
The offseason is still a little ways away for the Pacers, but it is not too early to think about the future. As it stands, it would make sense for the team to keep Toppin around, no matter how expensive the team will get. He has proved that he is a valuable asset and can help the team win games. For a team looking to compete for a title, this is all the reason they need to keep Toppin around for the long haul.