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New York Knicks: 3 players off to the hottest starts in 2021-22

By Orestis Rantis

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks looks during a preseason game against the Washington Wizards (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks players off to the hottest starts in 2021-22: 3. Obi Toppin

Coming out of a four-year stint at Dayton, Obi Toppin’s game was adored by many scouts around the league. He ultimately fell to the Knicks at No. 8 and was viewed as one of the biggest steals in the 2020 NBA Draft.

The start of his NBA career did not go as expected. But to be completely honest, he was not the one to blame. His competitor, A.K.A. Julius Randle, made a huge leap into stardom, leaving very few backup minutes for Toppin.

Things seem to have changed, though. Toppin is now spending more time on the court and his numbers certainly validate Thibodeau’s coaching decisions. Even though it is highly unlikely that he earns a starting spot this season, things are looking up for New York’s sophomore.

When stepping onto the court, Toppin now demonstrates a more aggressive offensive approach. The first-year frightening period seems to be over and his scoring numbers are way up when compared to last season.

Apart from that, his freakish athleticism has now transformed him into a defensive beast. Yes, the sample is still small, but he seems to help the team tremendously when stepping onto the court. This is an area of his game that lacked quality last season.

The only minor setback is his three-point shooting, which has been very poor so far. However, he is a very potent shooter and is bound to turn it around in the very near future.

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