Jacob Toppin is making waves in Las Vegas, and Atlanta Hawks fans have every reason to be excited. The 25-year-old forward, who recently signed a new two-way contract with the Hawks, delivered a spectacular performance in his Summer League debut against the Miami Heat on July 11, 2025. His 19-point, 10-rebound double-double showcased why the Hawks believe he can be a valuable contributor for the franchise moving forward.
The Contract That Keeps Dreams Alive
On Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks announced they had re-signed Jacob Toppin to a one-year, two-way contract. The move came after Toppin had impressed during his brief stint with the Hawks at the end of the 2024-25 season. This contract represents more than just paperwork for the Brooklyn native—it’s validation of his perseverance through an unconventional path to NBA success.
The Kentucky product originally signed with Atlanta on March 4, 2025, after being waived by the New York Knicks earlier that month. His lone appearance for the Hawks during the regular season was memorable, as he scored a career-high 17 points on 6-12 shooting from the field and an impressive 5-8 from three-point range in just 27 minutes against the Orlando Magic on April 13.
Summer League Showcase Performance
Jacob Toppin wasted no time making an impact in Las Vegas. In the Hawks’ 105-98 victory over the defending Summer League champion Miami Heat, he led all scorers with 19 points while grabbing 10 rebounds for his first Summer League double-double. His performance was crucial in helping Atlanta overcome a talented Heat team that had won six straight Summer League games dating back to 2024.
The 6-foot-8 forward showcased his improved shooting touch, connecting on multiple three-pointers and demonstrating the versatility that makes him attractive to NBA teams. His ability to play both forward positions and stretch the floor with his outside shooting has been key to his development as a professional player.
The G League Success Story
While Jacob Toppin’s NBA statistics remain modest—career averages of 0.8 points and 0.7 rebounds in 26 games—his G League performance tells a different story. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged an impressive 22.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 23 games while shooting 50.3% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range.
These numbers placed him among the elite G League performers, with Toppin being one of only four players to average at least 20 points and 8 rebounds during the regular season. His 65 career G League games have resulted in averages of 19.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 35.6 minutes of action, demonstrating consistent production at the developmental level.
The Kentucky Connection
Jacob Toppin’s college career at Kentucky was marked by steady improvement and eventual breakthrough success. After transferring from Rhode Island following his freshman season, he spent three years developing under head coach John Calipari. His senior season in 2022-23 was his best, averaging 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the field.
The Brooklyn native saved his best performances for the biggest moments, including a 24-point outburst against Louisville that earned him MVP honors from the Bluegrass Sports Commission. His ability to perform in clutch situations caught the attention of NBA scouts, even though he ultimately went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The Toppin Family Legacy
Basketball excellence runs in the family for Jacob Toppin. His older brother Obi Toppin was the 2020 National Player of the Year at Dayton and the eighth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Obi has since become a key contributor for the Indiana Pacers, creating a unique dynamic where both brothers are pursuing their NBA dreams simultaneously.
The brothers’ father, Obadiah Toppin Sr., was a renowned streetball player in Brooklyn known by his nickname “Dunker’s Delight.” He played professionally for the Harlem Strong Dogs and overseas in the Dominican Republic, instilling a love for the game in both his sons from an early age.
From Knicks to Hawks: Finding the Right Fit
Jacob Toppin’s NBA journey began with the New York Knicks, where he signed an Exhibit 10 contract in July 2023 that was later converted to a two-way deal. During his time with the Knicks, he appeared in 25 games over two seasons, averaging 0.8 points and 0.7 rebounds while spending most of his time with the Westchester Knicks in the G League.
The transition to Atlanta has provided Toppin with a fresh start and renewed opportunity. The Hawks’ developmental system has a strong track record of maximizing talent, and their willingness to re-sign him indicates they see potential for significant contribution at the NBA level.
The Path Forward in Atlanta
Jacob Toppin’s role with the Hawks extends beyond just being a two-way contract player. With Atlanta having three open roster spots and one remaining two-way contract available, strong Summer League performances could lead to increased opportunities. The Hawks’ depth chart at forward positions provides potential openings for a player who can contribute immediately.
His versatility as a forward who can shoot from outside, rebound effectively, and provide energy off the bench makes him an attractive option for a Hawks team looking to build depth. The franchise’s investment in his development suggests they view him as more than just a temporary addition.
Summer League Expectations and Beyond
As Jacob Toppin continues his Summer League campaign, expectations are high for continued strong performances. His debut against Miami demonstrated his readiness for this level of competition, and subsequent games will provide opportunities to showcase different aspects of his game against various opponents.
The Hawks’ Summer League roster features several intriguing prospects, including former first-round picks Kobe Bufkin and Asa Newell, but Toppin’s experience and proven G League production make him one of the most NBA-ready players on the team. His leadership and professionalism have been noted by coaches and teammates alike.
The Physical Tools and Skill Set
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 200 pounds, Jacob Toppin possesses the physical attributes to succeed at the NBA level. His wingspan and athleticism allow him to defend multiple positions, while his improved shooting has made him a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. His rebounding instincts and ability to finish around the rim add additional dimensions to his game.
The development of his three-point shooting has been particularly impressive, with his 37.1% success rate in the G League demonstrating significant improvement from his college days. This skill becomes increasingly important in today’s NBA, where spacing and floor-stretching ability are premium attributes for forwards.
The Bigger Picture for Atlanta
Jacob Toppin’s success story aligns with the Hawks’ broader organizational philosophy of developing talent and maximizing potential. The franchise has a history of finding contributors through non-traditional paths, and Toppin’s journey from undrafted free agent to reliable contributor fits this pattern perfectly.
His work ethic and determination have been consistently praised by coaches and teammates. The fact that he has continued to improve his game despite setbacks and limited NBA opportunities speaks to his character and commitment to reaching his potential.
Financial Considerations and Future Prospects
While specific terms of Jacob Toppin’s two-way contract weren’t disclosed, such deals typically provide players with earning potential between the NBA and G League levels. His total career earnings of approximately $1.47 million reflect the financial reality of developing players, but strong performances could lead to more lucrative opportunities.
The two-way contract structure allows the Hawks to evaluate Toppin over an extended period while providing him with NBA-level coaching and development resources. This arrangement benefits both parties as they work toward potential long-term partnership.
Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season
As Jacob Toppin prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 season, his immediate focus remains on maximizing his Summer League opportunities. Strong performances in Las Vegas could translate to increased playing time and responsibilities during the regular season, potentially leading to a standard NBA contract.
The Hawks’ coaching staff, led by Quin Snyder, has shown willingness to develop young talent and provide opportunities for players who demonstrate readiness. Toppin’s combination of size, skill, and proven production at the G League level makes him an intriguing option for meaningful minutes.
The Inspiration Factor
Jacob Toppin’s story serves as inspiration for players throughout the developmental basketball ecosystem. His journey from undrafted free agent to NBA contributor demonstrates that persistence, improvement, and opportunity can align to create success even when the initial path isn’t straightforward.
His success also highlights the importance of the G League as a developmental tool and proving ground for NBA aspirations. The league’s role in developing talent has never been more important, and Toppin’s trajectory showcases how players can use this platform to achieve their professional goals.
Conclusion: A Rising Star in Atlanta
Jacob Toppin’s recent contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks represents more than just another roster move—it’s a testament to perseverance, development, and the rewards of consistent hard work. His impressive Summer League debut and strong G League track record suggest that his best basketball may still be ahead of him.
As the Hawks continue building their roster for the future, Toppin’s combination of size, skill, and proven production makes him an intriguing piece of the puzzle. His journey from Brooklyn to Kentucky to the NBA exemplifies the modern path to professional basketball success, and his story continues to unfold with each opportunity.
The upcoming season will provide Jacob Toppin with his most significant chance yet to establish himself as a consistent NBA contributor. With the Hawks’ support and his own determination, he appears well-positioned to make the most of this opportunity and continue his inspiring ascent in professional basketball.
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