Indiana Pacers: Obi Toppin returns on 4 year deal
The Indiana Paces sign Obi Toppin to a 4 year, $60M deal as the team looks to run back Eastern Conference Finals roster.
The Indiana Pacers are no stranger to 2020 NBA Draft selections. With Obi Toppin re-signing, he joins Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith as 2020 draftees on the Pacers’ roster.
Obi Toppin was the 8th pick in that draft by the New York Knicks, and after Indiana made the trade for him last season, he decided to stay with his new team. Toppin was extended a qualifying offer by Indiana which made him a restricted free agent this offseason.
The Money:
His new deal is for four years and is worth $60M. This is great money for Toppin and is good value for the Pacers. His new deal will go through the 2027-28 NBA season. According to Spotrac, “Toppin will earn a base salary of $13,392,857 while carrying a cap hit of $13,392,857 in 2024-25.”
Toppin averaged 10.3 points per game, and nearly 4 rebounds during his first year with the Pacers.
My Thoughts:
One of Toppin's most surprising assets has been his three-point shooting, hitting an impressive 40.3% on 3.1 attempts per game. That is lights out.
Early in the season, Toppin was deemed a starter for the team before cementing a role on the bench. It was not due to poor play, but his fit was clearer in that position. When Indiana traded for Siakam, Toppin thrived off the bench and helped form a playoff rotation that went to the Easter Conference Finals.
While Toppin excels in Indiana's system with his athleticism and shooting ability, his ball-handling remains a limitation. His athletic style blends perfectly with Indiana’s pace of play, and he is capable of making crucial shots when needed.
Indiana will have Siakam and Toppin at the four, which raises questions about Jarace Walker's role. Does he play the 3? How will they develop him? I’m sure the team has a plan, and maybe (not saying he’s moved) there are other moves made that clear it up before the offseason is over. Walker should be able to play the three in my opinion, and he’s young enough to be moldable.
He's proven himself and deserves this contract. As a fan, I'm thrilled to see my hometown guy representing the Indiana Pacers.