How high of a priority is Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers?

The Indiana Pacers are going to have a busy offseason. They know they have to pay Pascal Siakam a max contract while also sorting out who can best help him and Tyrese Haliburton get over the hump to make the NBA Finals. There are going to be a lot of tough decisions made.

One of those tough decisions is what to do with Obi Toppin. Toppin was brought in to be the starter at the power forward position last offseason. He was then moved to the bench and was really good offensively in both roles. His shooting is really what has changed the calculus of how the Pacers feel about him.

Toppin shot over 40% from three this year. He's always been known as a rim runner and someone who uses his athleticism to get buckets in transition. He's never been good enough as a shooter for defenders to have to worry about him outside the three-point arc.

How high on the priority list is Obi Toppin for the Pacers?

How badly does Indiana want to keep Toppin? Do they want to re-sign him even though he is looking for a raise? His defense raises some pretty big questions. It makes it hard for him to be trusted in big spots. He likes to play olé defense as if he is a matador in a bullfight.

Toppin is also in the way of Jarace Walker in terms of getting him playing time. Depending on what they want to do with Walker that might determine whether or not they bring back Toppin. They could also sign and trade Toppin in order to acquire a third star.

There's no doubt that Toppin is a really good player. He showed that he is a very capable scorer off the bench and can do some real damage offensively. The issue is going to be the cap sheet and who else might be available in a trade. I think the Pacers do want to keep him if they can.

Toppin did a really good job of playing his best when he was entering free agency. He deserves to cash in. Whether or not that will be with the Pacers remains to be seen.