Last Updated on April 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s detailed information about Obi Toppin:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Obadiah Richard Toppin Jr.
  • Nickname: Obi.
  • Nationality: American.
  • Date of Birth: March 4, 1998.
  • Hometown: Brooklyn, New York, United States. (Wikipedia)
  • Height: 6’9″ (2.06 m).
  • Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg).
  • Wingspan: 7’2″. (NBADraft)
  • Shoe Size: —
  • Jersey Number: #1 — Dayton Flyers, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers.
  • Position: Power Forward / Forward.
  • High School: Heritage High School (Palm Bay, Florida); Melbourne Central Catholic (Melbourne, Florida); Ossining High School (Ossining, New York); Mt. Zion Prep (Baltimore, Maryland, postgraduate year). (Wikipedia)
  • College: Dayton (2018–2020).
  • NBA Draft: New York Knicks, 2020, Round 1, Pick 8.
  • Teams Played For:
    • New York Knicks (2020–2023)
    • Indiana Pacers (2023–present)
  • Championship Rings: 0.
  • Parents: Obadiah Toppin Sr. and Roni Toppin. (NBA)
  • Children: Remi Toppin. (Facebook)
  • Siblings: Jacob Toppin. (NBA)
  • Athlete Relatives: Obadiah Toppin Sr. (father; former streetball and professional/semi-pro player), Jacob Toppin (brother; pro basketball player). (New York Post)

Player Archetype / Play Style

Obi Toppin’s player archetype is that of an explosive transition-scoring forward, the kind of athletic frontcourt finisher who puts pressure on defenses with speed, vertical pop, and easy offense around the rim. Defensively, he is better cast as an active team defender than a true stopper, using his mobility to rotate, contest, and cover space while still not being a classic interior anchor. Offensively, his role is built around rim running, cutting, finishing lobs, attacking open lanes, and spacing the floor enough to keep defenses honest rather than operating as a self-creating hub. Physically, his 6’9″ frame, 220-pound build, and long wingspan support a game that plays above the rim and thrives in space. Put together, his play style is defined by pace, energy, transition scoring, and highlight-level finishing, which is why he looks most dangerous when the game opens up and he can attack quickly instead of grinding through half-court creation. (NBA)

Fun Facts

  • He gained national recognition during his sophomore season at Dayton, where he led the team to a 29-2 record before the 2020 NCAA Tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources:
NBA.com — Obi Toppin | Forward | Indiana Pacers
NBA.com — Obi Toppin Bio
NBA.com — 2020 NBA Draft results: Picks 1-60
University of Dayton Athletics — Obi Toppin – 2019-20 Men’s Basketball Roster
University of Dayton Athletics — Obi Toppin (2026) – Hall of Fame
Basketball-Reference — Obi Toppin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
New York Post — Obi Toppin’s streetball legend father is his dunking inspiration
NBA.com — Pacers-Knicks Series Has Special Meaning for Toppin Family
NBA.com — Jacob Toppin Bio
The Players’ Tribune — The Next Generation
NBADraft.net — Obi Toppin