The New York Knicks are definitely having a notable season, but the big question remains: can they really vie for the NBA championship this year?
Over the recent weekend, they faced tough losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. Frustratingly, they haven’t managed to overcome the likes of the Cavaliers, Celtics, or Oklahoma City Thunder this season.
One major acquisition, Karl-Anthony Towns, who came aboard in a stunning late offseason trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, has undoubtedly been a game-changer. Some might argue he’s currently the top big man in the Eastern Conference, especially with Joel Embiid, the former MVP, often sidelined by injuries.
Yet, despite his impressive performance, Towns has faced questions about his grit. Tony Massarotti, a Boston sports radio host, wasn’t shy about sharing his opinion on Towns, delivering quite a stinging critique.
“Perhaps the softest big man in NBA history,” Massarotti remarked, “He’s a bum, plain and simple. The guy just isn’t competitive enough.”
Despite this harsh criticism, Towns’ stats tell a different story. Averaging 24.8 points with a remarkable 53.2 percent field-goal shooting and 43.2 percent from beyond the arc, alongside 13.2 rebounds per game, it’s clear that “soft” players don’t consistently deliver those numbers—end of discussion.
However, at seven feet tall and nearly 250 pounds, Towns doesn’t always leverage his size advantage in the paint, and his defensive play, particularly his shot-blocking ability, often leaves fans wanting more.
Last season, the Knicks were on the verge of the Eastern Conference Finals, riding on the back of their fierce defense. This year, though, they stand 20th in defensive ratings—a glaring area of concern.
Maybe a strategic move could be the answer, shifting Towns to the power forward position once Mitchell Robinson returns. Robinson has been absent due to an ankle injury since last season, and his comeback could potentially invigorate the team’s defensive dynamics.
Up next, check out what Bill Simmons has to say about Jalen Brunson, as he claims Brunson has become a ‘Preeminent Flopper’.
