New York Knicks bringing back Jacob Toppin on two-way contract
Jacob Toppin is staying in the Big Apple.
On Wednesday afternoon, the New York Knicks announced it has signed Toppin to a two-way contract. Toppin spent his rookie NBA season with the Knicks in 2023-24, appearing in nine total games while averaging 1.4 points and 0.8 rebounds in 4.2 minutes per outing. The former Kentucky Wildcat saw minimal playing time in the NBA, but he shined in the G League.
For the Westchester Knicks, Toppin averaged 19.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 36.7 minutes per contest across 25 games played (all starts). The 6-foot-8 forward shot 55.6 percent from the field during that stretch and even dropped 40 points in February. Toppin also participated in the 2024 NBA Dunk Contest, finishing third while dunking over his older brother, Obi, along the way.
New York initially scooped up Toppin after he went unselected in the 2023 NBA Draft, signing him to an Exhibit 10 contract in July 2023. The franchise converted that deal into a two-way contract the following October and he made his NBA debut in December against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks waived him on February 21 but quickly signed him to a 10-day contract the same day. That deal was then converted into another two-way in March.
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Toppin played his final three college seasons (2020-23) at Kentucky after starting his career at Rhode Island (2019-20). He was an impact role player as a sophomore and junior for the Wildcats but turned into a full-time starter as a senior. During the 2022-23 season, Toppin averaged 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 31.4 minutes per game — all career-highs — while shooting 46.3 percent from the field.
Originally from New York, the 24-year-old Toppin will get to stay close to home for his second professional season. He’ll once again team up alongside another former ‘Cat, three-time All-Star forward Julius Randle.
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