KAT Proving He’s the Knicks’ Best Player Right Now

Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) is the clear engine for the New York Knicks right now. Contract talks might be messy, but his play on the court is undeniable. He has turned a potential distraction into his main fuel source. Through eight games, he stands as the team’s best player despite an uneven start for the reigning champions. He is averaging 19.9 points and a career-high 13.6 rebounds per game. Towns also dished out 3.1 assists while shooting a career-best 42.9 percent from three-point range. These numbers matter because they show he is doing more than just scoring. He owns a NET rating of plus-9.0, which is the best mark among all Knicks starters. Defending the Title at All Costs Towns says the lack of a new deal does not change his mindset. He told reporters after practice on Friday that he wants to defend the championship at all costs. “I came into the season wanting to defend the championship at all costs,” he said, according to the New York Post . The city has not seen that trophy in New York for 53 years, and the team does not intend to let it leave. He knows exactly what drives him. Being the No. 1 pick, reaching the Finals, and winning the title create unique pressure. Towns explained that having to figure out how to win again is enough motivation for him. “Being the No. 1 pick, [reaching] the Finals and getting your title, and having to go out there and try to figure out how to do it again, that’s enough motivation for me.” Leading the Rebound Charge With Mitchell Robinson out, Towns has picked up the slack on the glass. At 33.3, his defensive rebounding percentage tops the squad, placing him in a fifth-place tie across the league. He has recorded a double-double in every single game played so far this season. Head coach Mike Brown sees the energy Towns brings every day. Brown noted that the big man is rebounding, running, and shooting well from three. He also praised Towns for passing the ball instead of forcing a home run shot. “He’s rebounding, he’s running, he’ s shooting the ball well from 3, he is passing when he doesn’t go for the home run ball, he’s communicating. The energy he’s bringing is great.” Towns has played well, but he knows he must cut down on turnovers. Compared to 2.5 last season, his 3.8 turnovers per game represent a career high. An offensive hub role means he holds the ball more frequently, contributing to some of this. He agreed that he just wants to impact winning and get every rebound possible.