New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin will compete in Slam Dunk contest (Report)

The New York Knicks will be well-represented in this year’s Slam Dunk contest as rookie Obi Toppin is expected to compete.

New York Knicks fans will have a couple of reasons to tune into the NBA’s All-Star weekend on March 7. Not only will Julius Randle be taking part in his first All-Star Game, but it looks like Obi Toppin will be showing off his hops in the Slam Dunk contest per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The bouncy forward is still feeling his way through his rookie year. Toppin is a fixture on the second unit even though he’s not playing major minutes just yet. The Dayton product is averaging 4.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 12.1 minutes per game this season.

The Slam Dunk contest gives Toppin the chance to shine on a big stage. This is a big moment for the New York native to steal the show at All-Star weekend. Toppin can throw it down and he was making a strong case for himself to join in on the Slam Dunk contest.

.@TheGarden was rockin’ last night ? pic.twitter.com/9qmEbIyszW

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 26, 2021

Just Obi Toppin casually throwing down a between-the-legs dunk in a game (via @DaytonMBB)pic.twitter.com/gvaIM1g2dQ

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 8, 2020

Obi Toppin with an and-1 windmill on his brother. The audacity ?

(via @CBSSportsNet)pic.twitter.com/haDHxDO1Zb

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 12, 2020

It’s unclear who Toppin will be facing off with during this year’s Slam Dunk contest, but we do know that it will be taking place at halftime of the All-Star Game. Given the COVID-19 concerns, the NBA is packaging the All-Star Game, Slam Dunk contest, and Three-Point contest into one night.

This makes sense considering the circumstances. Even though it won’t be a normal Slam Dunk contest experience, this is still a nice milestone for Toppin in his young career.