New Knicks forward Jacob Toppin had one message for the comparisons he’s been receiving to his brother.
“We’re two different people,” Toppin said. “Obviously, we’re gonna be different players. I feel like I could bring a lot defensively.”
Jacob, an undrafted rookie out of Kentucky, is the younger brother of former Knicks lottery pick Obi Toppin.
After the draft, the Knicks signed the 23-year-old to an Exhibit 10 deal. At the time, it looked like this move would maybe convince Obi to stay even though he was frustrated with his role. In July Obi was traded to the Indiana Pacers for two future second-round picks.
Now only one brother remains in New York.
In the Knicks’ first preseason game, Jacob had a solid showing in their 114-107 victory over the Boston Celtics. He recorded four points, two rebounds and two blocks in nine minutes.
“I’m a person who lives life where I had to earn everything,” the undrafted rookie said. “Nothing was given to me. So, I just take it as everyday I have to come in, I have to perform in everything that I do and give 100 percent. So, that’s really what I’ve been focused on.”
In his final season at Dayton, Obi won the Karl Malone Award as the country’s top power forward and was the consensus National Player of the Year. His brothers’ college basketball career was different.
After spending one season at Rhode Island, Jacob transferred to Kentucky.
Despite having his best season, averaging 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, he still didn’t hear his name called on draft night like his brother did.
Coach Tom Thibodeau has seen the differences between the two as well.
“Obi’s probably a little more athletic, but Jacob’s pretty athletic as well,” Thibodeau said. “Obi’s probably a little more gifted right now–further down the road–offensively, but Jacob is a good defensive player right now.”
Toppin is currently fighting for his spot on the Knicks roster, and if he makes the final cut it’ll be because of his abilities on the defensive end.
“I feel like I could bring a lot defensively. I think I could guard multiple positions. I’m just very versatile on that side. Obviously, whatever the team needs me to do, I’m gonna do.”
Though they have the same last name, Obi and Jacob have different styles of play. Jacob now looks to start his own NBA journey with the Knicks just like his brother did.
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Featured photo courtesy of the New York Knicks
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- Source: https://thegamehaus.com/nba/jacob-toppin-shuts-down-comparisons-to-his-brother-obi/2023/10/14/
