Obi Toppin to the Knicks @ #8

[Clyde_Style]

I haven't been around to comment on the draft yet (busy with work...but now I have lots of free time, I've got COVID, bleh).

Obi reminds me of Marcus Fizer; that was another really athletic dude with a good face-up game. Also, while Fizer looked like a paint beast in college, he didn't have a strong enough spark in making his move to the paint - so it didn't translate well to the NBA. That's something Obi needs to work on, too.

I don't think Fizer was a three-point threat, though, so that's a big difference. Especially in 2020.

Obi's career trajectory is unlikely to be that of Marcus' (that dude had so many weird coaching issues, playing time issues, plus his chronic injuries). But that's a guy whose highlights are worth looking at to see Obi's potential floor-level.

This is not like when I compared Knox to Tim Thomas on draft night (great athletic gifts, natural physical gifts most would die for, but just not willing or able to keep the motor turned on). I see Tim's career as a LIKELY trajectory for Kev, for better or worse...while Fizer is merely a skillset comparison.

Oh my lord, a living legend.

Lol fizer. Idk man I think he absolutely has nothing in common with fizer. Like at all.

I think he mean Pfizer because Obi is chillin like penicillin and is going to give our rotation a vaccination

[EMG518]

I hope I am wrong but I think we should have traded down and drafted Isaiah Stewart.

[NotDikembeSayNo]

I haven't been around to comment on the draft yet (busy with work...but now I have lots of free time, I've got COVID, bleh).

Obi reminds me of Marcus Fizer; that was another really athletic dude with a good face-up game. Also, while Fizer looked like a paint beast in college, he didn't have a strong enough spark in making his move to the paint - so it didn't translate well to the NBA. That's something Obi needs to work on, too.

I don't think Fizer was a three-point threat, though, so that's a big difference. Especially in 2020.

Obi's career trajectory is unlikely to be that of Marcus' (that dude had so many weird coaching issues, playing time issues, plus his chronic injuries). But that's a guy whose highlights are worth looking at to see Obi's potential floor-level.

This is not like when I compared Knox to Tim Thomas on draft night (great athletic gifts, natural physical gifts most would die for, but just not willing or able to keep the motor turned on). I see Tim's career as a LIKELY trajectory for Kev, for better or worse...while Fizer is merely a skillset comparison.

Oh my lord, a living legend.

Lol fizer. Idk man I think he absolutely has nothing in common with fizer. Like at all.

I meant Span is the living legend but Fizer is a nice blast from the past. I remember him being brought up around here all the time as a trade target because he was making less than the MLE.

[Jeff Van Gully]

I hope I am wrong but I think we should have traded down and drafted Isaiah Stewart.

As a yardie and Patrick idolizer, I would have been thrilled to draft him somewhere.

Wouldn’t have passed on Obi’s talent to do so. But I feel him and his pops FROM THE HEART.

I saw so much of my life lol

[brobitoppin]

I haven't been around to comment on the draft yet (busy with work...but now I have lots of free time, I've got COVID, bleh).

Obi reminds me of Marcus Fizer; that was another really athletic dude with a good face-up game. Also, while Fizer looked like a paint beast in college, he didn't have a strong enough spark in making his move to the paint - so it didn't translate well to the NBA. That's something Obi needs to work on, too.

I don't think Fizer was a three-point threat, though, so that's a big difference. Especially in 2020.

Obi's career trajectory is unlikely to be that of Marcus' (that dude had so many weird coaching issues, playing time issues, plus his chronic injuries). But that's a guy whose highlights are worth looking at to see Obi's potential floor-level.

This is not like when I compared Knox to Tim Thomas on draft night (great athletic gifts, natural physical gifts most would die for, but just not willing or able to keep the motor turned on). I see Tim's career as a LIKELY trajectory for Kev, for better or worse...while Fizer is merely a skillset comparison.

Sorry but you are completely off on both comps.

Fizer was an undersized bull power foward that was explosive like charles or larry. He couldn't shoot and knee injuries derailed his career. Also, he admits that he was lazy and didnt work on his skills and just relied on his size/athleticism. He was like a bargain bin zion. Nothing like obi who is a much better passer/shooter/ball handler thab Fizer.

Knox never had the perimeter skills like tim, hell i would die for knox to have timmys handle.

Sent from my SM-N986N using Tapatalk

Obi reminds me of a variation of Aaron Gordon.

This is it. Good stuff buzz.

Aaron Gordon is the perfect comp to Obi. Plus-offensive player with good leaping ability, handle/playmaking for the position, pick n roll finisher, poor defender. I think Obi is a better outside shooter, but Gordon had a 35% 3PT, 73% FT season that I think mirrors what Obi can do perfectly.

I don't think he's quite the 20 ppg scorer in his first year though like others mentioned. I think that's a lofty expectation.

[thebuzzardman]

Sorry but you are completely off on both comps.

Fizer was an undersized bull power foward that was explosive like charles or larry. He couldn't shoot and knee injuries derailed his career. Also, he admits that he was lazy and didnt work on his skills and just relied on his size/athleticism. He was like a bargain bin zion. Nothing like obi who is a much better passer/shooter/ball handler thab Fizer.

Knox never had the perimeter skills like tim, hell i would die for knox to have timmys handle.

Sent from my SM-N986N using Tapatalk

Obi reminds me of a variation of Aaron Gordon.

This is it. Good stuff buzz.

Aaron Gordon is the perfect comp to Obi. Plus-offensive player with good leaping ability, handle/playmaking for the position, pick n roll finisher, poor defender. I think Obi is a better outside shooter, but Gordon had a 35% 3PT, 73% FT season that I think mirrors what Obi can do perfectly.

I don't think he's quite the 20 ppg scorer in his first year though like others mentioned. I think that's a lofty expectation.

Thanks. One of my rarer serious posts. It's not by way of crapping on Obi. Aaron Gordon is pretty good.

[brobitoppin]

Obi reminds me of a variation of Aaron Gordon.

This is it. Good stuff buzz.

Aaron Gordon is the perfect comp to Obi. Plus-offensive player with good leaping ability, handle/playmaking for the position, pick n roll finisher, poor defender. I think Obi is a better outside shooter, but Gordon had a 35% 3PT, 73% FT season that I think mirrors what Obi can do perfectly.

I don't think he's quite the 20 ppg scorer in his first year though like others mentioned. I think that's a lofty expectation.

Thanks. One of my rarer serious posts. It's not by way of crapping on Obi. Aaron Gordon is pretty good.

I agree. There's nothing wrong with being an offensive specialist. And it's ok if you contribute to the team and never make an all-star or all-nba appearance. Doesn't mean you're not a good player or didn't have a successful career.

We either love or hate too much, and rarely live in between. I think he'll be a good player. Maybe nothing special, but there's nothing wrong with that. Not everyone can be a superstar, but it doesn't mean you're trash.

[thebuzzardman]

This is it. Good stuff buzz.

Aaron Gordon is the perfect comp to Obi. Plus-offensive player with good leaping ability, handle/playmaking for the position, pick n roll finisher, poor defender. I think Obi is a better outside shooter, but Gordon had a 35% 3PT, 73% FT season that I think mirrors what Obi can do perfectly.

I don't think he's quite the 20 ppg scorer in his first year though like others mentioned. I think that's a lofty expectation.

Thanks. One of my rarer serious posts. It's not by way of crapping on Obi. Aaron Gordon is pretty good.

I agree. There's nothing wrong with being an offensive specialist. And it's ok if you contribute to the team and never make an all-star or all-nba appearance. Doesn't mean you're not a good player or didn't have a successful career.

We either love or hate too much, and rarely live in between. I think he'll be a good player. Maybe nothing special, but there's nothing wrong with that. Not everyone can be a superstar, but it doesn't mean you're trash.

Also, Aaron Gordon felt to me like the closet comp stylistically etc, where Obi MIGHT exceed him. It's possible.

[brobitoppin]

Thanks. One of my rarer serious posts. It's not by way of crapping on Obi. Aaron Gordon is pretty good.

I agree. There's nothing wrong with being an offensive specialist. And it's ok if you contribute to the team and never make an all-star or all-nba appearance. Doesn't mean you're not a good player or didn't have a successful career.

We either love or hate too much, and rarely live in between. I think he'll be a good player. Maybe nothing special, but there's nothing wrong with that. Not everyone can be a superstar, but it doesn't mean you're trash.

Also, Aaron Gordon felt to me like the closet comp stylistically etc, where Obi MIGHT exceed him. It's possible.

I totally agree.

I've seen comps that are all over the place and I just don't get some of them. Tobias Harris? Shawn Marion? Drew Gooden? Kenyon Martin?... Obi doesn't play defense like them. He physically can't

None of those make sense. I've seen some Amare-lite comps thrown around, which actually makes a little more sense than the others.

Aaron Gordon with a ceiling of Amare isn't bad. I'll gladly take an 18 and 9 floor-stretcher who can shoot free throws at a decent clip.

[DickGrayson]

I agree. There's nothing wrong with being an offensive specialist. And it's ok if you contribute to the team and never make an all-star or all-nba appearance. Doesn't mean you're not a good player or didn't have a successful career.

We either love or hate too much, and rarely live in between. I think he'll be a good player. Maybe nothing special, but there's nothing wrong with that. Not everyone can be a superstar, but it doesn't mean you're trash.

Also, Aaron Gordon felt to me like the closet comp stylistically etc, where Obi MIGHT exceed him. It's possible.

I totally agree.

I've seen comps that are all over the place and I just don't get some of them. Tobias Harris? Shawn Marion? Drew Gooden? Kenyon Martin?... Obi doesn't play defense like them. He physically can't

None of those make sense. I've seen some Amare-lite comps thrown around, which actually makes a little more sense than the others.

Aaron Gordon with a ceiling of Amare isn't bad. I'll gladly take an 18 and 9 floor-stretcher who can shoot free throws at a decent clip.

if it's Aaron Gordon's shooting % with Amare defense we got ourselves a bust. Gordon great dunker, but unfortunately that doesn't transcend to his play style. Dude is 6"9 and shoots 43-44% FG...I'm only accepting that if it's Porzingis bc atleast I know I'm getting impactful defense in return.

Imma say lets just stop speaking these names into the universe.


I hope Opi can use his precision in close range since he will always find a dunk available at the same time shoot a respect % as a stand still shooter.

I hope Obi's defense can prosper beyond average. Then we'll have worth for him going 8.

The only thing we care to see is Obi be tenacious and show flashes on Amare in Phoenix, def not Amare in Orange and Blue.

We want Obi to be Obi and solidify his name. He's an old rookie but we hope he can play beyond his expectations because we need a real #1 option on this team.

[Capn'O]

I haven't been around to comment on the draft yet (busy with work...but now I have lots of free time, I've got COVID, bleh).

Obi reminds me of Marcus Fizer; that was another really athletic dude with a good face-up game. Also, while Fizer looked like a paint beast in college, he didn't have a strong enough spark in making his move to the paint - so it didn't translate well to the NBA. That's something Obi needs to work on, too.

I don't think Fizer was a three-point threat, though, so that's a big difference. Especially in 2020.

Obi's career trajectory is unlikely to be that of Marcus' (that dude had so many weird coaching issues, playing time issues, plus his chronic injuries). But that's a guy whose highlights are worth looking at to see Obi's potential floor-level.

This is not like when I compared Knox to Tim Thomas on draft night (great athletic gifts, natural physical gifts most would die for, but just not willing or able to keep the motor turned on). I see Tim's career as a LIKELY trajectory for Kev, for better or worse...while Fizer is merely a skillset comparison.

Sorry but you are completely off on both comps.

Fizer was an undersized bull power foward that was explosive like charles or larry. He couldn't shoot and knee injuries derailed his career. Also, he admits that he was lazy and didnt work on his skills and just relied on his size/athleticism. He was like a bargain bin zion. Nothing like obi who is a much better passer/shooter/ball handler thab Fizer.

Knox never had the perimeter skills like tim, hell i would die for knox to have timmys handle.

Sent from my SM-N986N using Tapatalk

Wasn't he kind of a TRex too? I do see the comp with regards to how they move.

Feel better, Spandau!

[Capn'O]

Imo, the biggest thing I'm not seeing from his highlights is a real post move from 10-15 feet out that requires the defender to do anything but guard the drive. If he can stop and pop, hit a turnaround, or baby hook with some consistency he's going to have a lot more leeway playing his game in the NBA where the lane is harder to take, with bigger bodies waiting. Maybe he has it but didn't need it but I just haven't seen it and I watched some clips where he got cut off on his way to the hoop and didn't really have something to do. I think his shot will be there with some slight form tweaks. He gets it off fast.

[Capn'O]

The concern is certainly not on the offensive side of the ball. It's defensively. If Obi was a two-way player he would've never slipped down to no. 8 despite his age. It's a legitimate concern.

no.

he fell because of his age. if he was 19-20 he's the #1 pick even with his defense.

I can't imagine anyone passing on the future ROY because he's 3 years older than a player with training wheels on their bicycle

If he is the ROY then the league is stupid enough to make Leon Rose look clever as a fox

Lillard.

[KnicksGod]

Obi >>> RJ

That's who the Knicks need to build around. Obi. Not RJ.

Obi better learn to play D or he's looking at high bust potential!!

I'm just trying to initiate the Obi vs RJ conflict

You're a little like Charlie Manson around 1968.

[KnicksGod]

BNO also on a posting hot streak. I'll be the first to say it.

[SelbyCobra]

I haven't been around to comment on the draft yet (busy with work...but now I have lots of free time, I've got COVID, bleh).

Obi reminds me of Marcus Fizer; that was another really athletic dude with a good face-up game. Also, while Fizer looked like a paint beast in college, he didn't have a strong enough spark in making his move to the paint - so it didn't translate well to the NBA. That's something Obi needs to work on, too.

I don't think Fizer was a three-point threat, though, so that's a big difference. Especially in 2020.

Obi's career trajectory is unlikely to be that of Marcus' (that dude had so many weird coaching issues, playing time issues, plus his chronic injuries). But that's a guy whose highlights are worth looking at to see Obi's potential floor-level.

This is not like when I compared Knox to Tim Thomas on draft night (great athletic gifts, natural physical gifts most would die for, but just not willing or able to keep the motor turned on). I see Tim's career as a LIKELY trajectory for Kev, for better or worse...while Fizer is merely a skillset comparison.

Sorry but you are completely off on both comps.

Fizer was an undersized bull power foward that was explosive like charles or larry. He couldn't shoot and knee injuries derailed his career. Also, he admits that he was lazy and didnt work on his skills and just relied on his size/athleticism. He was like a bargain bin zion. Nothing like obi who is a much better passer/shooter/ball handler thab Fizer.

Knox never had the perimeter skills like tim, hell i would die for knox to have timmys handle.

Sent from my SM-N986N using Tapatalk

Wasn't he kind of a TRex too? I do see the comp with regards to how they move.

Feel better, Spandau!

Wow, that's crazy - I had the same exact thought when I read Spandau's post when he posted - literally the same reaction. But then I looked it up, and Fizer actually had a plus wingspan, almost exactly liked Obi's, so I deleted the post I was writing and kept it pushing.

I think my mind confuses a trait or two from those late 90's, high-lotto power forwards that either busted or didn't live all the way up to the hype, together. Fizer, Fortson, Lorenzen Wright, Stromile Swift, etc.

[Capn'O]

Sorry but you are completely off on both comps.

Fizer was an undersized bull power foward that was explosive like charles or larry. He couldn't shoot and knee injuries derailed his career. Also, he admits that he was lazy and didnt work on his skills and just relied on his size/athleticism. He was like a bargain bin zion. Nothing like obi who is a much better passer/shooter/ball handler thab Fizer.

Knox never had the perimeter skills like tim, hell i would die for knox to have timmys handle.

Sent from my SM-N986N using Tapatalk

Wasn't he kind of a TRex too? I do see the comp with regards to how they move.

Feel better, Spandau!

Wow, that's crazy - I had the same exact thought when I read Spandau's post when he posted - literally the same reaction. But then I looked it up, and Fizer actually had a plus wingspan, almost exactly liked Obi's, so I deleted the post I was writing and kept it pushing.

I think my mind confuses a trait or two from those late 90's, high-lotto power forwards that either busted or didn't live all the way up to the hype, together. Fizer, Fortson, Lorenzen Wright, Stromile Swift, etc.

Oh wow, it's true. He had pretty long arms. It's like the Berenstain Bears v. Berenstein Bears. We all remember the stumpy armed Marcus Fizer that never was.

[KnicksGod]

Wasn't he kind of a TRex too? I do see the comp with regards to how they move.

Feel better, Spandau!

Wow, that's crazy - I had the same exact thought when I read Spandau's post when he posted - literally the same reaction. But then I looked it up, and Fizer actually had a plus wingspan, almost exactly liked Obi's, so I deleted the post I was writing and kept it pushing.

I think my mind confuses a trait or two from those late 90's, high-lotto power forwards that either busted or didn't live all the way up to the hype, together. Fizer, Fortson, Lorenzen Wright, Stromile Swift, etc.

Oh wow, it's true. He had pretty long arms. It's like the Berenstain Bears v. Berenstein Bears. We all remember the stumpy armed Marcus Fizer that never was.

Isn’t there some Happy Days episode that everyone remembers that never existed?

In another dimension there’s a Knicks RealGM where they celebrate championships.

Candidly the Matrix’s explanation of deja-vu makes some conceptual sense.

[br7knicks]

I'm okay with him putting up 12+PPG on 45% FG for rookie year

[br7knicks]

Imo, the biggest thing I'm not seeing from his highlights is a real post move from 10-15 feet out that requires the defender to do anything but guard the drive. If he can stop and pop, hit a turnaround, or baby hook with some consistency he's going to have a lot more leeway playing his game in the NBA where the lane is harder to take, with bigger bodies waiting. Maybe he has it but didn't need it but I just haven't seen it and I watched some clips where he got cut off on his way to the hoop and didn't really have something to do. I think his shot will be there with some slight form tweaks. He gets it off fast.

Don't forget spin move into 3 defenders. Always a solid offensive move