Obi Toppin’s high-flying ability and defensive prowess have made him one of the notable names on the Indiana Pacers roster. Drafted as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, the 6-foot-9 forward has only gone on to move up a step every year. In 2022, he won the Slam Dunk. The next season, he averaged a career-best 40% from beyond the arc, and by 2024-25, his defense was all one could talk about.
Toppin, however, is not the only star in his family, as we take a closer look at Toppin’s personal life.
Who are Obi Toppin’s parents? What’s their nationality?
Obi Toppin’s parents are Obadiah and Roni Toppin, and bring a diverse culture into the family. While Roni is of Jewish Italian descent, Obadiah’s roots trace back to the Brabadians. The two met when Roni was coaching a high school volleyball team in Rockland and Obadiah was playing for the New York Gauchos. Obi’s father would break the ice, the sparks flew, and basketball became a thread of life.
The Toppins are also devout Christians, with Obi sporting a cross tattooed on his right shoulder.
Who is Obi Toppin’s father, Obadiah? Was he a professional basketball player?
Obi Toppin’s father, Obadiah, was a streetball player in Brooklyn. He started exploring basketball in-depth after high school, and eventually ended up joining Global Tech, where he averaged 23.5 points. But his most defining feature? Dunkers Delight — his nickname. For Obi, he was the idol. Not only did he watch in his prime, but also got to learn the best tricks. While he paces the courtside, anxious and fingers crossed, now for his son, Obadiah once lived his share in the spotlight.
He was a part of the Harlem Strong Dogs All-Star team in the ABA. Due to his popularity, he often appeared alongside many NBA legends in various commercials, the most famous one being the one with Vince Carter for Gatorade. He also played for the Court Kingz in the minor league for a short period.
It is quite evident that Obidah passed on his legacy to his son. Obi’s mother, on the other hand, also comes from an athletic background.
Who is Obi Toppin’s mother, Roni? What does she do?
Roni Toppin is the mother of Pacers forward Obi Toppin. She is an educator at Washington Heights Middle School, where she teaches students on the spectrum. And as aforementioned, she has also previously coached a volleyball team.
Roni is highly supportive of her son’s basketball career. Being a New York resident, she was elated to have her son drafted to the Knicks. “I’ve watched all the games on TV, but I’m so upset, I’m trying to find the right person to get me a job at Madison Square Garden,” Roni told The Post in a Christmas Eve interview. “I’ll be a custodian at the Garden. I’ll disinfect the whole arena if they want. More than anything, I wish I can be there.”
Ros’s other son, Jacob, however, is a star of his own.
Obi Toppin’s Brother: How many siblings does the Pacers star have?
Jacob Toppin is the younger brother of Odi Toppin. The small forward is currently signed with the Atlanta Hawks, after coming off college as a Kentucky Wildcat.
The youngest of the Toppin would also declare for the draft in 2023. But unlike his brother, Jacob went undrafted, eventually signing a ten-day contract with the New York Knicks, which was soon converted to a two-way contract. By 2025, he was a two-time NBA G-League winter showcase champion with the Westchester Knicks. But for the intriguing part, his father’s genes didn’t elude him either.
Jacob participated in the 2024 Slam Dunk contest following his brother’s earlier success. Although he was eliminated in the early rounds, he gave some highlight-worthy dunks. Jacob is still making a name. Meanwhile, Obi eyes a title in 2025.
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