Yes, Jacob Toppin is the younger brother of NBA forward Obi Toppin. The two share a remarkably close bond built on a foundation of elite athleticism and Brooklyn streetball heritage.
While Obi made waves as a lottery pick and Slam Dunk Contest champion, Jacob has carved his own path through the collegiate ranks at Kentucky and into the professional circuit.
Their connection is more than just blood; it is a shared basketball journey that has seen them face off in college and nearly overlap in New York, cementing the Toppin name as a high-flying dynasty in modern professional basketball circles.
Exploring the Family Roots and Athletic Heritage
The Toppin brothers represent a lineage of high-altitude basketball that began long before they stepped onto an NBA court.
Their story is rooted in the competitive basketball culture of Brooklyn, where their physical gifts were first nurtured by family members who understood the game at a fundamental level.
The Influence of “Dunker’s Delight”
The brothers are the sons of Obadiah Toppin Sr., a legendary figure on the New York streetball scene known by the moniker “Dunker’s Delight”. This nickname was earned through a career of spectacular verticality, a trait that clearly passed down to both Obi and Jacob.
Growing up with a father who was a local icon for his leaping ability meant that basketball was more than just a hobby; it was a primary family language.
This environment fostered a natural inclination toward the high-flying style of play that both brothers are now famous for in the professional ranks.
A Diverse Cultural Background
Beyond their athletic prowess, the Toppin family boasts a rich and diverse ethnic heritage. The brothers are of mixed African-Caribbean and European-Jewish descent.
Their father, Obadiah Sr., is of Barbadian heritage, while their mother, Roni Toppin, is of Italian-Jewish descent.
This unique blend of cultures has shaped their perspective and identity, providing a strong personal foundation as they navigate the spotlight of professional sports.
Their mother has remained a constant, visible support system, often seen at games celebrating the accomplishments of both sons regardless of which jersey they are wearing.
Collegiate Paths: Different Routes to the Same Goal
While both brothers eventually reached the highest level of basketball, their journeys through the collegiate system followed different trajectories.
These paths reflect their individual growth as players and how they handled the pressure of the Toppin name in the amateur ranks.
Obi Toppin’s National Dominance at Dayton
Obi Toppin, born March 4, 1998, is exactly two years older than Jacob. His rise to stardom was nothing short of meteoric. During his time at Dayton, he transformed from a relatively under-the-radar recruit into a national sensation.
By his sophomore season, he was a consensus first-team All-American and was named the 2020 National Player of the Year.
His ability to finish at the rim and stretch the floor made him one of the most efficient players in the country, eventually leading him to be selected 8th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Jacob Toppin’s Developmental Journey at Kentucky
Jacob, born March 8, 2000, took a slightly more gradual path toward professional recognition. He began his college career at Rhode Island, where he averaged 5.1 points per game as a freshman.
Seeking a more prominent stage, he transferred to the University of Kentucky. Under the spotlight of one of the nation’s premier programs, Jacob’s production steadily increased each year.
In his final collegiate season (2022-23), he blossomed into a core contributor, averaging 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. This growth proved that he could thrive outside of his brother’s significant shadow.
The New York Knicks Connection and Transition
A fascinating aspect of the Toppin brothers’ careers is their intersection with the New York Knicks organization.
For a brief moment, it seemed the city might host both brothers simultaneously, but a series of transactions ensured they would instead follow each other in a symbolic passing of the torch.
The Trade That Changed the Dynamic
Obi Toppin spent the first few seasons of his career with the Knicks after being drafted in 2020. However, his development in New York was complicated by several factors.
Most notably, the presence of All-Star power forward Julius Randle created a “blockade,” as Randle played heavy minutes at the same position, leaving Obi with limited opportunities to grow.
Additionally, defensive fit and locker room tensions eventually led the Knicks to trade Obi to the Indiana Pacers in July 2023 in exchange for two future second-round picks.
Jacob Toppin Steps Into the Madison Square Garden Spotlight
In a move that felt scripted, Jacob Toppin signed with the New York Knicks just one day after his brother was traded to Indiana. Jacob joined the team on an Exhibit 10 deal, which was later converted into a two-way contract.
To further the connection, Jacob even wore the #00 jersey, a number that carried the weight of his brother’s recent departure.
While Jacob has spent a significant amount of his professional career developing with the Westchester Knicks in the G League, his presence in the organization has kept the Toppin legacy alive in New York.
Analyzing Professional Career Statistics and Impact
To understand the current standing of both brothers in the professional landscape, it is helpful to look at their statistical output.
While Obi is an established rotation player in the NBA, Jacob has been dominant in the developmental circuit while fighting for consistent minutes at the top level.
| Statistical Category | Obi Toppin (Pacers) | Jacob Toppin (Knicks/Hawks) |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played (G) | 386 | 31 |
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 8.7 | 1.4 |
| Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | 3.5 | 0.7 |
| Assists Per Game (APG) | 1.3 | 0.3 |
| Field Goal Percentage (FG%) | 52.1% | 48.6% |
| 3-Point Percentage (3P%) | 35.5% | 42.9% |
| Free Throw Percentage (FT%) | 78.6% | 58.1% |
| Minutes Per Game (MPG) | 17.3 | 4.2 |
The data shows a clear distinction in their current roles. Obi has maintained a career field goal percentage of over 52%, proving himself to be a highly efficient offensive weapon over nearly 400 games.
Conversely, Jacob’s NBA numbers are modest due to limited playing time, but his G League performance is elite.
During the 2023-24 season with Westchester, Jacob averaged 21.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting 53.1% from the floor, indicating that he has the tools to eventually mirror his brother’s NBA success.
The Slam Dunk Contest Dynasty
Perhaps the most public display of their brotherly bond and shared athleticism occurred during the NBA’s All-Star festivities. The Slam Dunk Contest has become a stage where the Toppin name is synonymous with excellence and creativity.
A Legacy of Winning
Obi Toppin solidified the family’s reputation by winning the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His combination of power and finesse allowed him to claim the trophy, a feat that set a high bar for Jacob.
When Jacob was selected to participate in the 2024 contest, he was not just competing against other NBA players; he was following in the footsteps of a family champion.
Using the Brother as a Prop
In one of the most memorable moments of the 2024 contest, Jacob enlisted Obi to assist him. In a literal display of leaping over the competition, Jacob jumped over his older brother to complete a dynamic slam.
This moment was symbolic of their relationship: competitive yet deeply supportive. Jacob has often joked that he has the “upper hand” in their private workouts because he is faster than Obi, but on the national stage, they work together to enhance the family legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Toppin Brothers
Who is the older brother?
Obi Toppin is the older brother, born on March 4, 1998. Jacob was born almost exactly two years later on March 8, 2000, making Obi the senior sibling in their professional journey.
Did they ever play against each other in college?
Yes, they had a memorable “Sibling Matchup” during Jacob’s freshman year. While Jacob was at Rhode Island and Obi was at Dayton, the two brothers were able to share the court and compete directly against one another, a rare feat in high-level collegiate basketball.
Why did the Knicks move on from Obi Toppin?
The decision to trade Obi was multifaceted. He was blocked by Julius Randle’s playing time, faced challenges fitting into Coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive schemes, and was nearing a point where a lucrative contract extension would have been required for a backup role.
Moving to the Indiana Pacers provided him with a faster-paced system that better suits his transition-heavy style of play.
Conclusion: A Brotherhood Built for the Sky
The Toppin brothers have successfully transitioned from Brooklyn streetball roots to the brightest lights of the NBA. Their relationship is defined by a unique blend of intense competition and unwavering support.
Whether it is Jacob leaping over Obi in a dunk contest or their mother wearing a hybrid jersey to support both teams, the family bond remains the central pillar of their careers.
As Obi continues to refine his role as an efficient NBA veteran and Jacob continues his dominant development toward a full-time roster spot, the Toppin name will undoubtedly remain a fixture in professional basketball for years to come.
Their journey serves as a testament to how family legacy, when paired with relentless work ethic, can propel siblings to the pinnacle of their profession.
