Pacers will regret long-term deal with Obi Toppin unless this happens

This offseason, the Indiana Pacers and power forward Obi Toppin agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract, ensuring the 26-year-old remains with the team through the 2027-28 season. Toppin was originally set to enter restricted free agency this summer.

The Pacers acquired Toppin from the New York Knicks in July 2023 in exchange for multiple second-round draft picks. Toppin spent his first three NBA seasons with the Knicks, who selected him with the No. 8 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

In his debut season with Indiana, Toppin averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He played in all 82 games, starting 28 of them, and averaged 21.1 minutes per game. He also posted career highs with a 57.3% field goal percentage and a 40.3% three-point shooting percentage.

Re-signing Toppin was a significant priority for the Pacers, but to fully maximize his potential, they need to increase his playing time. His 21.1 minutes per game ranked ninth on the team, trailing players like Buddy Hield and Bruce Brown, both of whom were traded during the regular season.

With power forward Pascal Siakam also committed to the Pacers long-term, Toppin may not secure a starting role soon. However, he has yet to reach his peak as an NBA player and should continue to develop. Increasing his minutes is crucial for both Toppin’s growth and the overall success of the Pacers.

Pacers GM Chad Buchanan was open about wanting Obi Toppin to stay with the team for the long haul

After Indiana’s playoff exit to the Boston Celtics, general manager Chad Buchanan expressed his desire for Obi Toppin to remain with the team beyond this summer.

“I think it was just a very, very good year for him. I think he felt he kind of found a home with us,” Buchanan said. “He thought this might be a good spot for him, and we got him here. I think he really enjoyed the fans and the system. You know, his family seemed to be happy here as well. So, can’t say enough good things about the type of season he had.”

“He was our only player who played all 83 games in the regular season and didn’t miss a playoff game either. That’s a huge deal in the NBA to not miss a game. We actually presented an award to him in his exit meeting for that. It’s a very, very big deal in our league, and we’re happy for him and all that he did for us this year. And like I said, hope he’s with us moving forward.”

The Pacers aim to build off their impressive 2023-24 season, and with Toppin back in the mix, he will help keep the team in playoff contention for the immediate future.

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