The Atlanta Hawks have had an impressive offseason, going from a play-in team to a team with championship aspirations without compromising their future financial or draft flexibility. After adding Nickel Alexander-Walker, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kennard, the Hawks had one of the best 8-man rotations in the East. Their star power and depth matched any of their foes in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Atlanta was left with two holes in their bench squad left to fill. Who would play backup point guard behind Trae Young, and who would play backup power forward. The former appears to be Kobe Bufkin, as Atlanta has shown no interest in replacing Bufkin in the depth chart. For the latter, Jacob Toppin has pieced together an impressive summer league resume to earn a shot as the backup four.
Asa Newell will presumably get plenty of playing time at the backup power forward position. However, like most rookies, Newell may struggle to make an immediate winning impact. Likewise, Mouhamed Gueye has flashed potential to fill the backup four spot, but has yet to impress in his two-year NBA career. Atlanta should have a contingency plan so that, when the Hawks are making a playoff run, they’ll have a quality backup regardless of Newell and Gueye’s readiness.
Toppin is the perfect bridge piece to keep the Hawks competitive
Toppin, the younger brother of Pacers’ Obi Toppin, is a 6’8 power forward with impressive two way ability. Through three summer league games, he has impressed not just on the stat sheet, but also with the maturity and hustle he displays at all times.
Toppin is averaging 15.3 points and 7.3 rebounds on 56.7% shooting from the field and 40% from downtown. This is particularly impressive considering Toppin left the Hawks’ most recent game against the Rockets early with a seemingly minor hip injury. Toppin only received half of his usual playing time in a game where the Kentucky product was impressing.
Toppin has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Whether spacing the floor on offense or being in position on defense, it is rare that Toppin makes a mental mistake in summer league. While the pace of the game and talent will increase in the NBA, Toppin’s mature game and two-way skill set make him a natural choice to round out the Hawks’ second unit.
Toppin was signed to a second two-way contract in Atlanta this offseason. With two NBA roster spots left, the Hawks still have the roster flexibility to convert Toppin to an NBA contract if he impresses, or if the young forwards Newell and Gueye have slow starts.