Earlier this summer, the New York Knicks made headlines by signing rookies Ariel Hukporti and Kevin McCullar to two-way contracts. With each team allowed three such contracts, the Knicks needed to make a strategic choice for their final spot as they approached the 2024-25 season. They have now filled that last slot with a familiar face: Jacob Toppin.
Jacob Toppin, the 24-year-old forward and brother of former Knicks player Obi Toppin, initially joined the Knicks as an undrafted free agent last season. In his limited nine-game stint, he averaged 1.4 points per game on an efficient 55.6% shooting, while playing just 4.2 minutes per game. Despite modest NBA stats, Toppin made a mark in the G League, where he played for the Westchester Knicks. There, he averaged an impressive 19.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 25 games, demonstrating his ability with a 48.8% shooting rate from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc.
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has been vocal about his appreciation for Toppin’s potential. Last November, Thibodeau highlighted Toppin’s work ethic and overall skill set, noting, “I like him a lot. I like the way he works. He’s done a good job. I think just for him, the challenge will be developing consistency with his shot. But he’s a very good all-around player.”
With this new two-way contract, Toppin is expected to spend most of his time in the G League, where he can continue to refine his game. His potential as a solid rebounder and defender in the NBA is evident, but there is still significant development needed for him to become a regular contributor on the Knicks’ roster. Unless he makes substantial progress, his NBA playing time may be limited.
The Knicks have been active this offseason, making several key moves. They acquired wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets early in the summer and added Cameron Payne and Chuma Okeke to their roster. Additionally, they re-signed key players including Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Precious Achiuwa. On the flip side, they lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Alec Burks to the Miami Heat, which could have an impact, but overall, the Knicks have bolstered their lineup significantly.
Entering the previous season as the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, the Knicks made it past the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round but fell to the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game series in the second round. With their revamped roster, the Knicks are looking to build on their strong performance and aim for an even deeper playoff run next season, with hopes of contending for the NBA Finals.