Obi Toppin got back to work at the Knicks practice facility just four days after New York was ousted by the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.
The Brooklyn native, disappointed with his rookie performance, vowed to be better when he spoke with reporters earlier this month after being invited to the U.S. Select Team. Back in New York, that drive hasn't wavered.
"Every single day I've been in the gym," Toppin told SNY's Ian Begley. "Been in the gym with a couple of the guys, like Quick, RJ, Kev, there's a couple guys that's back, and we've just been getting work in. Offensively and defensively, just so we're prepared for next season."
The Knicks youngsters were known for staying on the court after games throughout last season, getting in extra shots and extra work, and even sneaking into the building during Tom Thibodeau's mandatory rest days late in the season. But the 22-year-old Toppin wasn't able to get in much work around the time he was drafted eighth overall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to take every opportunity to improve his game after averaging 11 minutes and 4.1 points per game last season.
"I just feel like I'm gonna put in a lot of work this season, just so that next year isn't like my first year," Toppin said. "I felt like I could have done a lot better my first year."
Toppin showed improvement down the stretch and in the playoffs, playing particularly well with Derrick Rose on the floor, and he, along with the rest of the team, is hoping to carry that momentum into next season and prove that their surprising playoff berth was no fluke.
"The work that not only myself, but the other guys put in, we're gonna make it far in the playoffs next year," Toppin said.
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