New York Knicks rookie Obi Toppin is especially excited for the team's preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

Toppin, the eighth overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, explained he has heard comparisons of himself to Pistons forward Blake Griffin, and is ready to face off against the former No. 1 pick in his first glimpse of NBA action:

“I’ve been hearing a lot of people comparing me to Blake Griffin,” Toppin said, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. “He’s a great player, competitive, and I can’t wait to get on the floor with him and learn in the moment. So being on the floor with him is going to be amazing. I can’t wait.”

The former Dayton star noted he would love any sage wisdom Griffin had to offer, but also understands everyone is trying to acclimate themselves to a new season:

“I’m not going to come out and just ask him questions,” Toppin said ahead of his debut with the Knicks, via Bondy. “He’s a vet, so if he feels like he can give me some pointers while we’re playing I’m open ears and looking forward to it. At the same time, we’re competing. We’re both trying to get a W at the end of the day and that’s what it is.”

There is some merit to the comparison.

Both Toppin and Griffin are explosive forwards who excel at the rim and in transition. Toppin also shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc with the Flyers last year, and Blake has grown more comfortable on the perimeter in recent seasons.

Interestingly, both players will be imperative to their team's success, or lack thereof. The Knicks need Toppin to make strides in his rookie season, while the Pistons need Griffin to stay healthy and regain his 2018-19 form to have any chance of reaching the playoffs.