Knicks sign Kentucky forward Jacob Toppin to two-way deal
The Knicks didn’t have any picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, but they still ended up adding a couple of intriguing players, including Jacob Toppin, the younger brother of former lottery pick Obi Toppin.
SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reports that along with Jacob Toppin, the Knicks signed Jaylen Martin to a two-way deal.
The younger Toppin started his collegiate career at the University of Rhode Island before playing three seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Listed at 6-foot-9, 205 pounds, Toppin started 31 games for the Wildcats this season, averaging 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds. Overall, he played in 116 games at the collegiate level, averaging 7.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Jacob Toppin joins the Knicks at an interesting time, as SNY has reported that the Knicks would trade his brother, “if it became clear that there was no clear path to increased playing time.”
Obi Toppin also was involved in a verbal altercation with Tom Thibodeau following the Knicks’ Game 4 loss to the Miami Heat after being upset with his playing time.
