Obi Toppin has been just about as good as Indiana Pacers fans could have asked for since his return from a foot injury that kept him out for four months.<\/p>\n
In his 14 games since returning, the Dayton alum has averaged 9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 53.8% from the field and 35.2% from deep. He has also averaged just 15 minutes per game since, and he has logged at least 20 minutes in a game just once (nearly 23 minutes against the Los Angeles Clippers on Mar. 27).<\/p>\n
Fans should be happy with the way Toppin has played since his return, but it’s also clear there is still another level for him to jump. He even confirmed as much (h\/t Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star<\/a>).<\/p>\n “It’s not frustrating,” Toppin said after a practice last week. “Obviously, we’re doing it for a reason. I trust coach’s judgment always. He’s been doing this for a long time and we have the best trainers in the world. Whatever they say, I’m going to do. I feel good out there. I know I had like 20 minutes (against the Lakers). I felt really good, but I’m still getting back. I don’t feel like I’m 100 percent back yet. I’m still getting back, getting my feet under me and still getting that feel.”<\/p>\n Obi Toppin will be a big part of the Pacers’ success from here on out<\/p>\n