New York Knicks’ Obi Toppin is ‘progressing’ after suffering a broken leg in a win over the Atlanta Hawks but there is no timetable for when he will return to action
New York Knicks exciting power forward Obi Toppin is recovering well from an undisplaced fracture in his right fibula, but told reporters there is no timetable for his return.
Toppin suffered the injury when the Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 7 and was scheduled to be reevaluated in two to three weeks, which happened in recent days.
‘Everything went well. We are developing, getting better. But there’s no timetable for when I’ll be back,’ Toppin said before Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks, in his first comments since the injury.
Obi Toppin says his broken leg is progressing well but has no timetable for a return to action
‘We just take it day by day. Improving every day and working on things.
‘They are the pros here. Whenever they say it’s time to go back, I’ll go back there.’
‘I’m not disappointed but I really want to be with those people. Things happen. You just have to think positive. Good things will happen.’
Toppin isn’t sure if he can defend his slam dunk trophy in this year’s tournament
Toppin is set to compete and defend his championship in the NBA’s slam dunk contest, however he told reporters that he is not sure if he will be able to do so in February.
He revealed that he was able to work out by doing swimming pool work and upper body work.
‘It’s definitely tough, but at the same time I’m trying to get back as fast as I can,’ Toppin said.
‘It will be a couple of re-examinations but nothing is scheduled right now. Every time they say we’re doing something, they tell me every day. So every time they said something to me I would get up and leave.’
Starring power forward Julius Randle saw his minutes increase in Toppin’s absence
The Knicks played more two-center lineups with Jericho Sims (L) and Isiah Hartenstein (R)
With Toppin out, coach Tom Thibodeau used centers Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims together off the bench. He also increased all star power forward Julius Randle’s minutes to 36.9 per game.
‘They play well. I know the last two games haven’t gone our way, but I feel like everybody’s doing their job, having fun, moving the ball,’ Toppin said of the team’s three-game losing streak.
‘Especially Ju, he’s been playing great for us. He needs to continue that for sure. And we’re going to be a great team when we’re all together.’
Rising star small forward RJ Barrett said the team misses Toppin’s energy on the court
After Toppin was first hurt, Knicks fourth-year emerging star RJ Barrett commented on how important Toppin was to the team.
‘Losing Obi is a big deal,’ said RJ Barrett. ‘He’s a ball of energy, man, going there. When he’s out there, we play faster. Our game is better.
‘That man, his energy and spirit, you always knew he had a smile on his face. He will bring positive energy. So that will definitely be missed.’
Toppin averaged 17.1 minutes per night off the bench this season and averaged about eight points and four rebounds.
The team performed well in his absence winning six of nine games en route to an 18-16 record.
