Karl-Anthony Towns on the Knicks, New York Fans, NIL, & More
The New York big man sits down for the latest episode of Network with Rich Kleiman to talk about the Knicks' championship aspirations, NIL in college hoops, and much more.
Karl-Anthony Towns was the crown jewel of his 2015 NBA Draft class out of Kentucky. Being the No. 1 overall pick comes with certain expectations, and he didn't disappoint for Minnesota, winning Rookie of the Year in 2016 and going on to be named to four All-Star teams while donning a Timberwolves jersey. Towns became a fixture in Minnesota after having spent the first nine seasons of his career there, but his career was thrown for a loop when he got traded to the New York Knicks just ahead of the 2024-25 season. Raised in nearby New Jersey, the big man grew up a Knicks fan, making the move from the only home he had ever known in the NBA a much easier transition.
How did Towns respond in his first full season in a Knicks uniform? Oh, he was only named an Eastern Conference starter for his fifth All-Star Game selection and earned his third All-NBA third-team honor after averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Not only that, but his addition to the core of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and others helped launch the Knicks farther into the playoffs than they've been in 25 years, having reached the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Indiana Pacers.
Heading into Year 2 in New York, Towns and Co. have their sights set on taking that next step in a seemingly wide-open Eastern Conference race. But he knows that they'll need the help of the Knicks faithful if they are to have a chance.
"Ain't nothing like it," Towns said on the latest episode of Network with Rich Kleiman of the New York fans. "That energy was contagious, just kind of seeing the excitement in the fans, especially after Game 6 with the Celtics. This city was showing love to us all year. I'm just so grateful we gave them a lot to cheer for."
In addition to the Knicks, Towns touches on the evolving NIL landscape, reflects on his time in college hoops, and shares insights about his former teammate, Anthony Edwards. Meanwhile, Kleiman breaks down the current era of basketball in New York City and whether a title is necessary to solidify its legacy.
Be sure to catch the full conversation at Boardroom’s YouTube channel here as well as on Yahoo Sports’ podcast pages on Apple and Spotify.
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