Obi Toppin Nearing Return, and the Pacers Could Use His Spark
Obi Toppin hasn’t suited up for the Indiana Pacers since the third game of the season, sidelined with a foot injury that’s kept him out for months. But there’s growing optimism that the high-flying forward will make his way back to the court before the season wraps. Pacers GM Chad Buchanan recently shared that both Toppin and center Ivica Zubac are progressing in their recoveries and are expected to return at some point this season.
“[Toppin] is coming back from his injury,” Buchanan said. “[Zubac] is still recovering from an ankle injury that he was trying to play through, and we want to make sure he’s completely recovered before we put him back out there. I think that’s the prudent thing to do.”
Translation: Indiana’s being cautious, but the door is very much open for Toppin to rejoin the rotation-something that could inject some much-needed energy into a team that’s been searching for answers all season.
What Toppin Brings to the Table
When healthy, Toppin offers a unique blend of athleticism and versatility that fits right into Indiana’s up-tempo system. He’s not just a dunk contest highlight reel-though he’s certainly capable of that, too. Toppin has quietly carved out a role as a small-ball center who can stretch the floor, attack mismatches, and keep defenses on their heels.
His athleticism allows him to play above his size, especially in transition or when matched up against slower, traditional bigs. And while his rim-running and vertical spacing are obvious strengths, it’s his improved shooting that’s really rounded out his game. In his first two seasons with Indiana, Toppin shot 38.3% from three on 3.4 attempts per game-numbers that demand defensive attention and help open up driving lanes for teammates.
Without him, the Pacers have struggled to replicate that same dynamic spacing and pace. His absence has been felt not just in the box score, but in the flow and rhythm of Indiana’s offense.
A Missed Opportunity-But Not a Lost Season
Coming into the year, Toppin was poised for a breakout. With Myles Turner departing in the offseason, the door was wide open for Toppin to take on more minutes as a small-ball five-a role that might just be his best fit in today’s NBA. The Pacers have spent much of the season experimenting with lineups, searching for the right combinations, and Toppin’s skill set would’ve given them some much-needed flexibility.
Even after acquiring Ivica Zubac, there’s still a clear lane for Toppin to make an impact. Zubac brings size and rebounding, but Toppin’s speed and shooting offer a completely different look. When he returns, expect Indiana to lean into that contrast, especially as they look toward next season and a full return to their fast-paced identity.
Looking Ahead
At 15-40 heading into the All-Star break, the Pacers aren’t playing for playoff positioning. But that doesn’t mean the rest of the season is meaningless.
Getting Toppin back on the floor would be a win in itself-not just for morale, but for development and evaluation. He’s 27 years old and entering a pivotal stretch of his career.
These final games could serve as a springboard, both for him and for a Pacers team looking to re-establish its identity.
No, Toppin’s return won’t flip the season on its head. But it could give Indiana a much-needed jolt-and maybe even a glimpse of what’s to come.