Josh Hart’s Admission on Knicks Role Deals Instant Blow to Karl-Anthony Towns’ Media Day Claim

That admission lands awkwardly next to what Karl Anthony Towns told reporters about his own willingness to fit in wherever helps the team most, because structure around Towns changes the five man mix. Hart’s case for a starting spot is backed by minutes and production and by a history of stepping up in high leverage games, but the Knicks also have Mitchell Robinson as a defensive center that helps Towns by giving rim protection and allowing Towns to focus on offense. Choosing Robinson as the five pushes perimeter options like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges into bench minutes and forces Brown to decide which balance best defends opponents and creates spacing.

For now the message is simple and public. Hart stamped his claim while saying he will not demand a role, Brown said he will let camp determine the lineup, and Towns gave a clear team first answer about position preferences as the roster questions tighten. Those three signals set up a real decision point for the coach when preseason turns into regular season minutes allocation. Ahead we break down what Towns said and why his comments matter for lineup construction.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ stance

When asked about his own role and preferred position on the media day, Karl Anthony Towns took a broader approach. He stated, “My preference is winning. That’s the only preference I got”. He expressed confidence in the team regardless of whether he plays alongside Josh Hart as a traditional center or with Mitchell Robinson at power forward. This response highlighted his focus on the ultimate goal but lacked the specific commitment to sacrifice that Hart provided.

Towns’ versatility is a key asset for the Knicks. He has historically played well next to a traditional rim protecting center, such as during his time with Rudy Gobert in Minnesota. This pairing allowed him to focus more on his offensive strengths. The Knicks saw this dynamic work during the playoffs when Mitchell Robinson started alongside him, improving the team’s defense. This successful configuration, however, often comes at the cost of moving a player like Hart to the bench.

The difference in their statements is nuanced. While both players say they want to win, Hart explicitly acknowledged a personal desire to start but submitted it to the coach’s authority for the team’s benefit. Towns’ answer, while positive, remained general. In the context of Hart’s blunt admission, Towns’ claim that his only preference is winning feels less concrete, as it does not address the specific lineup sacrifice that might be required.

This season is crucial for Towns, who is the team’s highest earner. His future with the franchise could depend on how well the team performs. Hart’s clear, selfless stance now creates an unspoken expectation for all players, including Towns, to embrace whatever role they are given without complaint. This sets a strong tone for the Mike Brown era, where team success must outweigh individual preference.