History of Obi Toppin in Timeline

Obi Toppin is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA. He is a power forward known for his athleticism and scoring ability. Before joining the NBA, Toppin played college basketball for the Dayton Flyers, where he achieved significant recognition for his performance and contributions to the team.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 4, 1998: Obi Toppin's Birth

On March 4, 1998, Obadiah Richard Toppin Jr., known as Obi Toppin, was born. He would later become a professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA, playing as a power forward after a college career with the Dayton Flyers.

Others born on this day/year

1999: All-Atlantic 10 First Team

In 1999, Lamar Odom achieved first team All-Atlantic 10 honors, an honor Obi Toppin would later repeat.

November 2019: Maui Invitational Tournament

In late November 2019, Obi Toppin led Dayton to second place at the 2019 Maui Invitational Tournament, averaging 22.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 blocks over three games. He was recognized as Atlantic 10 Player of the Week and National Player of the Week by NBC Sports.

2019: Declared for the 2019 NBA draft

In 2019, after his red-shirt freshman season, Obi Toppin declared for the 2019 NBA draft without hiring an agent. After working out for several NBA teams, he withdrew from the draft to return to Dayton.

January 11, 2020: Ankle Injury

On January 11, 2020, Obi Toppin sprained his left ankle during a win against UMass, but continued to play.

February 22, 2020: 1,000th Career Point

On February 22, 2020, Obi Toppin scored his 1,000th career point during an 80–70 win over Duquesne, scoring 28 points.

November 18, 2020: Drafted by the New York Knicks

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

2020: Prospect for the 2020 NBA draft

Entering his red-shirt sophomore season, Obi Toppin was named the 24th-best prospect for the 2020 NBA draft by ESPN.

2020: Pacers joined by 2020 NBA draft players.

In 2020, Obi Toppin was joined by Jalen Smith, Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith and Jordan Nwora, all selected in the 2020 NBA draft, as members of the Indiana Pacers

January 13, 2021: Return after injury

On January 13, 2021, Obi Toppin returned from an injury sustained in his NBA debut, playing in a 109–116 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

April 8, 2022: Career-High 35 Points

On April 8, 2022, Obi Toppin recorded a then-career-high 35 points and 2 steals in a 114–92 win over the Washington Wizards.

2022: Obi Toppin Wins 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

In 2022, Obi Toppin won the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest after being the runner-up the previous year.

2022: Sophomore Year

In his sophomore year, 2022, Obi Toppin won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

April 5, 2023: 32 Points against the Indiana Pacers

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

June 2023: Brother Signed with Knicks

In June 2023, Obi Toppin's brother, Jacob Toppin, who played college basketball for Kentucky, was signed by the Knicks.

July 7, 2023: Traded to the Indiana Pacers

On July 7, 2023, Obi Toppin was traded to the Indiana Pacers for two future second-round picks, one day after his brother signed with the Knicks.

2023: Traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2023

In 2023, Obi Toppin was traded to the Indiana Pacers.

2023: Career Averages in 2023-24 Season

Obi Toppin finished the 2023-24 season averaging career highs as the main backup to Pascal Siakam.

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 133–131 win over the Phoenix Suns.

July 6, 2024: Re-signed with Pacers

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

March 17, 2025: Season-High 34 Points

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 in a 132-130 overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.