Knicks Rumors: Obi Toppin's Role Could Increase in 2022-23 Season

During the 2022-23 campaign, Obi Toppin could see more playing time for the New York Knicks.

The Knicks coaching staff thinks Toppin might play a bigger role.

Toppin was selected by the Knicks in the 2020 NBA draft. He didn't play much as a rookies when they were a surprise team.

The head coach has been criticized for not giving enough playing time to young players. During his time in New York, he has shown a willingness to change, with players such as Toppin carving out roles for the team.

Playing time for Toppin increased from 11.0 minutes per game in 2020-21 to 17.1 in 72 games. Eight of the final 11 games were started by the 24 year old. He averaged 19.1 points and 5.5rpg with a 44.1 three-point percentage on 5.4 attempts per game during that time.

Prior to the start of last season, New York made a large financial commitment to Julius. He signed a four year contract in August of 2021.

In 2021, he was named to the All-Star team, but in 22 he wasn't happy. His field- goal percentage was the worst of his career and he was the team's leading scorer. He shot 33.0% in one game as a first year player.

If Randle's struggles continue, Toppin's strong closing stretch at least gives the coach the option to increase his minutes if he doesn't want to move the more experienced player to the bench.

It's shaping up to be a big season for the Knicks. They gave the Dallas Mavericks point guard a four-year, $104 million contract in order to give him a spark to the offense.

The New York franchise has had only one winning season in the last five years. The Atlanta Hawks defeated them in the first round. The team missed out on the playoffs and play-in tournaments.