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5 NBA players facing do-or-die 2023–2024 seasons

By Holden Walter-Warner

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) /
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Obi Toppin, New York Knicks
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images /

NBA: F Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers

Did Obi Toppin fail to live up to being a lottery pick with the New York Knicks because of his play, or because of a lack of belief from head coach Tom Thibodeau? The world may never know, but inquiring minds tend to think the latter. That might be why Toppin was traded for peanuts this summer.

Earlier this month, Toppin was dealt to the Indiana Pacers for a mere pair of second-round draft picks. He joins a roster filled to the brim with 2020 draft picks, including budding star Tyrese Haliburton.

The first three seasons of Toppin’s career don’t have any amazing numbers. He started only 15 games and averaged seven points and three rebounds over that time, hitting 32.5 percent of his threes. Then again, he never received much of a chance, averaging less than 15 minutes a contest.

As mentioned, however, the Pacers are at a different point in their process than the Knicks. New York made the playoffs in two of Toppin’s three seasons and fashion themselves as somewhat of a contender, at least for the postseason. Indiana is still building for the long term and is happy to take chances on young, energetic players like Toppin.

Toppin may not be long for Indiana, as he is eligible for a rookie contract extension until the beginning of the season. It’s hard to imagine the Pacers would ink him to such a deal before he ever plays a game for the franchise.

But the Dayton alum is finally out of the shadow of his first head coach. That automatically makes this a do-or-die year for the spring forward.