Newest KAT In Town

Pending the finalization of the trade, star big man Karl-Anthony Towns is headed to New York in a blockbuster deal closing in on the season opener. The deal includes star forward Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo headed to Minnesota. While the trade hasn't officially been processed, it is all but said and done from here. With that brings fans to wondering what the big news means for their teams moving forward. Knicks fans are looking at a big change as they move into a championship window this season. A new look lineup, and potentially even more moves to be done prior to the begin of the season.

Towns has been touted as one of the best big men in the game in recent years, especially on the offensive end. He brings a new look to the Knicks team, as they have struggled offensively with big men depth in recent years. Following the trade will bring Towns to most likely playing the four position as he has the past few seasons in Minnesota. The question is who will play the five if not Towns, as the options are slim. Mitchell Robinson is not only out until December at the least, but also being shopped by the team. This may put the Knicks in a position where Towns has to play the five if Robinson is to be traded. This is really just a matter of what the starting lineup will look like with the newest Knick, and his ability to play the two different positions.

Besides the lineup configuration, the big man brings a new dynamic to this team. Labeled as the best shooting big man in the league, Towns has an exceptional ability to stretch the floor. This is huge when looking at the other players on the team: Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, McBride. Being surrounded by players that can shoot the ball and create not only takes stress off of Towns, but increases his chance to become a playmaker. Vice-versa, this takes off stress on the now superstar Jalen Brunson who will not be relied on as much to be the scorer.

Karl-Anthony Towns' 2023-24 Stats:

21.8 PPG

8.3 REB

3.0 AST

0.7 BLK

0.7 STL

50% FG (15.3 Attempts)

42% 3PT (5.3 Attempts)

Improving as a passer and defender is something extremely important to his game, and will play a big role in the New York system. Towns has gotten criticized for his defensive abilities as a big man in his career, but has continued to prove people wrong. Though his blocks and steals may not rank highly, it is some of his other traits on defense that are the making of a better player. Just last season he was a plus defender, on top of being 7th in defensive rating (2000 minute minimum) with 108.7, which ranks amongst the leagues best defenders. Now entering a team who is top 10 in defensive rating as a squad, Towns should be able to fit into the system quite fast. Being surrounded by elite wing defenders and an elite defensive coach should also boost Towns into a great position.

Rolling into this upcoming season brings Towns to increase his play on both sides of the ball. Expect his points per game to increase playing along side Brunson, and his assists to go up as well in this offense. Playing alongside Rudy Gobert also brought his rebounds down, which will certainly go up as the Knicks team will need rebounds on both sides from their big man, barring a Robinson departure.

Losing out on Randle and DiVincenzo is obviously a blow to the team and chemistry of the roster. However, the addition of Towns is looking better each day moving forward. The squad has a plan and a promising roster moving into this season. Expect Karl-Anthony Towns to make a name for himself as a Knick and help lead this team to where it needs to be contending for a title.

Written by Anthony Ellis. 2024