martin wrote:

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https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/1329278670985375744

I’d buy that for a dollar

“I learned a lot about Coach through this pandemic,’’ Toppin said of Thibodeau. “I understand he’s a defensive coach, and that’s one of my biggest things I need to work on. He’s going to make sure that I lock in and make sure that I become great one day. I feel like if I get that defensive scheme down, I’m going to be a really good player one day, a really great player one day.’’

https://nypost.com/2020/11/18/nba-draft-2020-knicks-select-obi-toppin-with-no-8-overall-pick/

Toppin seems like a solid kid, knows his weaknesses, wants to be here and seems committed to be the best player he can be. We may all have our opinions about his ceiling, but I'm confident he's going to give us his best.

Even though every pre-draft site makes it seem like half these guys will be great, the reality is only three to five players will ever become all-stars and maybe one or two will become hall of famers. And with pick #8 the odds are probably even lower. Considering where we drafted, I'm not sure what else we could've asked for. I would've preferred Lewis, but I'm comfortable with the pick. Let's see what happens. Remember, we now are looking at trades and free agency. The most important thing is how all of this will mesh once the dust settles.

Amare was one of the worst defenders I’ve ever seen and he dominated for years. Teams are going to be destroyed with him and Mitch in the paint and Mitch can cover up a lot of mistakes. We have a good coaching staff, just need to find a way to get Randle out of here ASAP!

Welpee wrote:What is going to be frustrating moving forward is the thought that fans get locked in on their evaluation of a player and won't budge no matter how well Toppin plays. It will be more about being right than really giving the kid a chance.

Toppin seems like a solid kid, knows his weaknesses, wants to be here and seems committed to be the best player he can be. We may all have our opinions about his ceiling, but I'm confident he's going to give us his best.

Even though every pre-draft site makes it seem like half these guys will be great, the reality is only three to five players will ever become all-stars and maybe one or two will become hall of famers. And with pick #8 the odds are probably even lower. Considering where we drafted, I'm not sure what else we could've asked for. I would've preferred Lewis, but I'm comfortable with the pick. Let's see what happens. Remember, we now are looking at trades and free agency. The most important thing is how all of this will mesh once the dust settles.

Yeah, I hear you. That's the nature of today's blogging/forum/internet fans. They want to be right more than anything. Either way, in 2 consecutive drafts, we got guys who actually wanted to be here...They embraced everything about the franchise and the city. Very happy with this pick.

Allanfan20 wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Thibs might be bringing Mitch and Obi off the bench at the same time, so they can work on forming an effective tandem. Toppin might not be ready to start day one, defense being one reason. Then start them when the time is right, and they've moved some veteran bigs ahead of them.

Who starts at center? Portis?

We also have Gibson (With Thibs in Chicago)

SupremeCommander wrote:for everyone bent out about Toppin's d, this fact should really put your mind slightly at ease:

Since the 2010-11 season, Trae Young and Zion Williamson are the only other underclassmen to average at least 20 points while also having a box plus/minus of at least 11.7

Being deficient on defense is as damning when the other team is constantly on their heels because they can't stop you

Thibs being the coach, I'll be surprised if Obi starts with so-so D. Believe the bar will be higher. But as you said, the offense might be strong enough to make Thibs more willing to overlook defense thats a work in progress. Hitting his 3s, might do it.