Stephen A. Smith wanted the Knicks to take Tyrese Haliburton instead of Obi Toppin

Under the leadership of new manager Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks have started the 2020-21 season well with an 8-11 record. The team showed some flashes of being a playoff contender at times, while boasting a top five defense in the process.

Overall, the team seems to be heading in the right direction. So when you consider that 25th-pick Immanuel Quickley seemed like a real draft steal, the Knicks are looking to have a player who can contribute every night.

He was the other choice of the first round that some disputed with.

Obviously, the Knicks selected Dayton’s Obi Toppin with the eighth overall pick. Toppin was named AP Player of the Year 2020 after a remarkable second year with the Flyers, but got off to a slow start in his rookie campaign after wasting time with injury.

ESPN character Stephen A. Smith, who is a well-known Knicks fan, was not thrilled with Toppin’s selection.

Smith, speaking to rapper Torae on SiriusXM’s Hip Hop Nation, wanted the Knicks to take on Tyrese Haliburton, who finished 12th at the Sacramento Kings. Given Haliburton’s early success, Knicks fans probably agree with Smith’s stance too.