Analyzing Jaylen Martin and Jacob Toppin’s Potential

The NBA offseason has become a mix of excitement and drama, thanks to the increasing need for news and updates. Fans closely follow social media accounts for the latest information, especially when it comes to the New York Knicks. However, it’s essential to avoid projecting disappointment onto new young players, as it often happens during the draft process.

As fans, we tend to exaggerate the impact of young players and put immense pressure on them and the front offices drafting them. That said, it is crucial to temper our judgment and disappointment. While it’s valid to have opinions and hold the front office accountable, it’s essential to understand that fans have limited knowledge compared to decision-makers. This realization can help build trust in the front office’s choices and prevent unwarranted criticism.

The Knicks signed a contract with popular player Jaylen Martin

The Knicks signed Jaylen Martin, a 19-year-old undrafted free agent from Overtime Elite, for the second consecutive year. Martin defies the typical expectations associated with undrafted players. Despite his young age, he possesses high potential and impressive physical tools. Standing at 6’5″ with a 6’11” wingspan and exceptional athleticism, Martin has a high defensive upside. He consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic on the defensive end, excelling in transition and making an impact with easy dunks and layups. In Overtime Elite, he averaged a respectable 1.6 steals per game and 0.7 blocks per game, showcasing his potential as a defender in the NBA.

However, Martin’s shooting requires improvement, particularly from beyond the arc. He struggled with efficiency, shooting only 26% on six attempts per game. Although his jump shot needs work, Martin possesses strong finishing skills around the rim, utilizing his length, athleticism, and a variety of dribble moves, including a nasty eurostep. As a project player, Martin’s ceiling is as high as anyone you can find outside of the draft. Given his athleticism and physical attributes, he is a worthy candidate for a two-way contract. However, he will likely need time in Westchester and potentially a year or two in the G League to further develop his skills.

Jacob Toppin will strengthen the Knicks

Jacob Toppin, a four-year college player from Kentucky, joins the Knicks after spending three seasons under the guidance of coach John Calipari. The 6’9″ wing brings athleticism and a knack for dunking, reminiscent of his older brother, Obi Toppin. Although listed at just 194 pounds, Jacob Toppin has shown his ability to finish strong in traffic. His athleticism provides him with a solid scoring ability in the paint, resulting in impressive highlight-reel plays. However, similar to his brother, Toppin faces questions regarding his jump shot. He shot a subpar 30% from three-point range on a low volume of attempts, disappointing fans of the Kentucky Wildcats. Despite this, Toppin has shown additional playmaking skills, contributing to his team’s needs. He possesses underrated passing ability, can push the pace in transition, and has the potential to grab rebounds and initiate fast breaks. Defensively, Toppin’s slender frame might present challenges, but if he can gain strength, he has the potential to become a positive defender. His lateral quickness allows him to defend guards on the perimeter effectively, and his timing and athleticism make him a smart weakside rim protector.

Final gain

While it can be argued that the Knicks needed more shooting in the draft, they opted for players with higher ceilings that require development time. Both Martin and Toppin will likely spend time in Westchester, honing their skills and seizing opportunities to improve. Although the immediate outcome might be disappointing to some fans, the Knicks’ long-term approach brings a silver lining. In the short term, fans can look forward to watching these athletic wings showcase their skills, especially their dunking abilities, in the Summer League. Despite the absence of big-name prospects, the Summer League Knicks promise a fast-paced transition offense and exhilarating highlight dunks.

3 interesting facts about Jacob Toppin’s

• Jacob Toppin comes from a family with a strong basketball background. His older brother, Obi Toppin, was selected in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. Their shared passion for basketball has made them both rising stars in the sport.
• Jacob Toppin played college basketball at the University of Rhode Island. During his time there, he showcased his athletic ability and potential as a versatile forward, earning him attention from NBA scouts.
• Like his brother Obi, Jacob Toppin also aspires to make a mark in the NBA. He declared for the 2021 NBA Draft and was selected as the 20th overall pick by the New York Knicks, allowing him to join his brother in the same NBA team