Earlier this summer, the New York Knicks signed rookies Ariel Hukporti and Kevin McCullar to two two-way contracts. Each team receives three two-way contract spots, meaning the Knicks had to strategize their final spot before the 2024-25 season. According to an official statement they released on social media, the team signed a familiar face to their final two-way contract – Jacob Toppin.
.@nyknicks Sign a two-way contract with Jacob Toppin pic.twitter.com/FBCjRhbfZk
– NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) 14 August 2024
The 24-year-old, brother of former Knicks forward Obi Toppin, joined the team as an undrafted free agent last season. In nine games, he averaged 1.4 points and 55.6% shooting in 4.2 minutes. He also participated in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest. While his NBA stats are rather forgettable, Toppin had a good season in the G League. With the Westchester Knicks, the forward averaged 19.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 25 games. In addition, Toppin hit 48.8% of his shots from the field and 33.8% of his three-point shots.
Last November, the Knicks head coach spoke about Toppin and had high praise for the Brooklyn native.
“I like him a lot,” said Tom Thibodeau. “I like the way he works. He’s done a good job. I think the challenge for him will be to develop consistency in his shot. But he’s a very good all-around player.”
Knicks extend two-way contract with New Yorker
Jacob Toppin will probably spend most of his time in the G League
Toppin has the potential to be a solid player in the NBA. However, it seemed clear in his rookie season that he still has a lot of work to do. Toppin has the tools to be a solid rebounder and defender in the league. With more time in the G League, he should continue to develop and perhaps become a rotation player in the long run.
Whether or not Toppin can become a real NBA player at some point remains to be seen. Regardless, the Knicks already have solid forwards on the roster. Unless he exceeds all expectations and takes a huge step forward, Toppin will likely see minimal playing time with the Knicks. It is notable, however, that Thibodeau seems to be a fan of him.
The Knicks have had a busy offseason so far
This summer has been an interesting one for the Knicks. At the beginning of the offseason, the Knicks acquired winger Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade. They also signed Cameron Payne and Chuma Okeke this summer. They also re-signed Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa.
On the other hand, they lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Alec Burks to the Miami Heat. While these losses may be painful for the Knicks, it’s fair to say they’ve improved this offseason.
Last season, the Knicks entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed. After defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, they lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round in seven games. With a new roster, the Knicks are poised to make further playoff progress next season and possibly make it to the NBA Finals.
