Career Timeline of Obi Toppin: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Obi Toppin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Obi Toppin is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. He is a power forward who previously played college basketball for the Dayton Flyers. He was drafted 8th overall by the New York Knicks in 2020 before being traded to the Pacers in 2023.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 2019: 2019 Maui Invitational Tournament

In November 2019, Obi Toppin led Dayton to second place at the 2019 Maui Invitational Tournament, averaging 22.3 points per game.

2019: Declared for 2019 NBA Draft

In 2019, Obi Toppin declared for the NBA draft after his red-shirt freshman season. He later withdrew his name and returned to Dayton.

November 18, 2020: Drafted by New York Knicks

On November 18, 2020, Obi Toppin was drafted by the New York Knicks with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

2020: NBA Draft Prospect

Going into the 2019-2020 season, Obi Toppin was named the 24th-best prospect for the 2020 NBA draft by ESPN.

2020: Reunion of 2020 NBA Draft Class

In 2020, Obi Toppin joined Jalen Smith, Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith and Jordan Nwora, who were all selected in the 2020 NBA draft.

January 13, 2021: Returned From Injury

On January 13, 2021, Obi Toppin returned to play after missing 10 games due to an injury he sustained in his NBA debut, in a game against the Brooklyn Nets.

April 8, 2022: Career-High 35 Points

On April 8, 2022, Obi Toppin recorded a then-career-high 35 points in a win against the Washington Wizards.

2022: NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winner

In 2022, Obi Toppin was the winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

April 5, 2023: 32 Points Against the Pacers

On April 5, 2023, Obi Toppin scored 32 points with 6 assists in a win over the Indiana Pacers.

July 7, 2023: Traded to Indiana Pacers

On July 7, 2023, Obi Toppin was traded to the Indiana Pacers for two future second-round picks.

January 26, 2024: Double-Double and Game-Winning Layup

On January 26, 2024, Obi Toppin recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds, including a game-winning layup, in a victory over the Phoenix Suns.

July 6, 2024: Re-signed with the Pacers

On July 6, 2024, Obi Toppin re-signed with the Pacers to a four-year, $60 million contract.

March 17, 2025: Season-High 34 Points and Game-Winning Three-Pointer

On March 17, 2025, Obi Toppin scored a season-high 34 points, including 12 in overtime and the game-winning three-pointer, to snap Minnesota's eight-game winning streak.