Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTIncluded Columnist IVOctober 3, 2024
Stephen Gosling/NBAE by means of Getty Images
Karl-Anthony Towns was plainly blindsided by the trade that landed him on the New York Knicks for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and other moving parts, ending his nine-year run with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Shocked,” he informed press reporters when inquired about his preliminary response to the news. “Shocked. Perhaps the word flabbergasted is more right. Simply surprised.”
James L. Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
KAT with a message to Minnesota, being “surprised” and now being close to home. > pic.twitter.com/5fCqOQGPPl
That stated, Towns included that his previous relationship with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached him for two-and-a-half years in Minnesota, ought to assist him much better change in the New York lineup.
“I believe it offers us a bit of a running start,” Towns informed press reporters. “I understand the offense he likes to run. I understand the method he likes to play defense and what he gets out of his gamers.”
Towns will sign up with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby in what need to be an absurd beginning 5, a minimum of on the offending end. The Knicks will have the ability to area the flooring, with all 5 gamers a legitimate risk to strike shots from beyond the arc, opening driving lanes for Brunson.
The 28-year-old Towns saw his offending function reduce recently offered the increase of super star Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, though he still balanced 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.0 helps per video game in 2015, shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from 3 while making his 4th All-Star Game nod.
He must supply the Knicks with a strong No. 2 alternative on offense behind Brunson, and the pick-and-pop pairing in between the 2 will be enjoyable.
“Hell yeah he is! Wasn't Kristaps Porzingis the piece for the Boston Celtics?” >– > @KendrickPerkins> pic.twitter.com/80eB5cSLZt
There are other issues following the trade, obviously. Towns is barely a vibrant force on the protective end, a problem for the defensively minded Thibodeau, though maybe the existence of Hart, Bridges and Anunoby will ease a few of those issues.
The Knicks are likewise quite thin beyond the beginning group, particularly while Mitchell Robinson stays shelved with a foot injury. Heading into the season, the 2nd system looks most likely to be some mix of Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, Precious Achiuwa, novice Pacôme Dadiet and Jericho Sims.
That … isn't excellent.
Given, the Boston Celtics rode a wonderful beginning 5 to a title last season regardless of restricted depth behind it. Whether the Knicks have a beginning group that can match the skill of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, nevertheless, stays to be seen.
