Knicks head coach Mike Brown details how Karl-Anthony Towns will be utilized

Justin Backer

Knicks head coach Mike Brown details how Karl-Anthony Towns will be utilized image

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Karl-Anthony Towns’ role with the Knicks has been the subject of debate since he first arrived last summer, and with Mike Brown now in the picture instead of Tom Thibodeau, Towns could see his role change once again.

In his first season with the Knicks last year, Towns averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game on his way to being named an All-Star and All-NBA for his efforts. However, some of his strongest critics have pointed to his lack of rim protection as a shortcoming, and have suggested playing another big man such as Mitchell Robinson next to him in the starting lineup.

On Friday, Brown talked about the role Towns will have in the Knicks offense this season.

“KAT, we're going to move him around a lot,” Brown said. “He's not just going to play the 5. He'll be all over the floor - his ability to shoot the basketball will show because we're going to move him around.”

Whatever role Towns ends up playing in, he’ll serve as one of the key figures for a Knicks team that is looking to take advantage of its newfound championship window. After reaching the conference finals last season for the first time since 2000, Towns and the Knicks are looking to snap their 52-year title drought, and secure their first championship since 1973 this season. 

Justin Backer

Justin Backer is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Justin began his sports writing career in 2023 and has previously written for Empire Sports Media and currently covers FAU Athletics for The Palm Beach Post.