Jacob Toppin

Toppin is an American forward who most recently appeared in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks after a winding path through Rhode Island, Kentucky, and multiple two-way contracts with the New York Knicks. He went undrafted in 2023 and has functioned as a depth forward at both the NBA and G League levels.

Born on May 8, 2000, Toppin attended Ossining High School, where he played basketball, football, and volleyball. As a senior, he averaged 15.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and earned All-Section honors. He was not heavily recruited but committed to Rhode Island.

As a freshman at Rhode Island, Toppin averaged 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in a bench role before transferring to Kentucky. Over three seasons with the Wildcats, his production climbed from 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds as a sophomore to 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists as a senior. He declared for the 2023 NBA draft and went undrafted.

After going undrafted, Toppin signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Knicks on July 6, 2023, and was converted to a two-way deal on October 22. He made his NBA debut on December 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks. He signed a 10-day contract in February 2024 and returned to a two-way deal in March. He re-signed on another two-way in August 2024 before the Knicks waived him on March 2, 2025.

On March 4, 2025, Toppin signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks. He made his lone appearance for Atlanta in the season finale against Orlando, recording 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists. He re-signed with Atlanta on July 10, 2025, and appeared in five games before a torn labrum in his right shoulder required season-ending surgery on December 8. The Hawks waived him on December 15, 2025.

Toppin is a versatile forward with athleticism inherited from his basketball family. At Kentucky, he developed into a double-digit scorer and a capable rebounder. In the NBA, he has filled depth roles as an energy forward. His older brother, Obi Toppin, is an established NBA player.