Karl-Anthony Towns has played for the New York Knicks for a couple of seasons now. So far, he has played a pivotal role in the Knicks’ success.
Last year, Towns’ first season in New York, the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. It was clear that the big man was the missing piece the team needed to make their step in the right direction. A former Knicks legend highlighted Towns’ efforts and explained why he’s been a perfect fit for the team over the past couple of seasons.
Why Knicks Legend Allan Houston Praises Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson
Since joining the league in 2015, Towns has primarily played at the center position for his team. While he would sometimes switch to power forward, Towns mainly contributes as the team’s big man.
When playing at the center position, bigs are expected to dominate the paint and focus on the inside. However, Towns isn’t a traditional big man. Like Nikola Jokić, Towns has a knack for facilitating the ball despite not playing at the guard position.
Knicks legend Allan Houston noted how Towns’ style of play is what enables the Knicks’ offense to work.
“Karl has been an underrated passer throughout his career,” Houston told DJ Siddiqi of Ratings. “That’s what makes the offense work. People are always going to say, ‘He needs to get down, he needs to do this.’ But you forget what a facilitator he is, that he can keep the ball moving.”
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While praising Towns, Houston didn’t leave out Jalen Brunson, who has arguably reshaped the Knicks’ status in the Eastern Conference since joining the team back in the 2022-23 season.
Houston noted how effective Brunson can be both on and off the ball.
“I think obviously Jalen, he can score with the ball, but he’s extremely effective off the ball, making plays, cutting,” Houston said. “I think the things that you see that are dominant override the things that you don’t see, which they’re really good at. That’s what I’ve learned to watch and appreciate.”
The Knicks are headed to the playoffs as the No. 3 seed for the second consecutive year. Last year’s playoff performance led to a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were eliminated in six games by the Indiana Pacers.
With the knowledge and experience they’ve gained, the Knicks will be looking to redeem themselves in the playoffs this year, as they face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round.
