New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Knicks' Tom Thibodeau explains how Karl-Anthony Towns has evolved

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Nov 18, 2024 5:44 PM ET

Karl-Anthony Towns has been making an impact for the New York Knicks. The All-Star big man is currently averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and three assists per game. He's shooting 54.2% from the field and 50% from three-point range.

Tom Thibodeau has coached Towns before, during their time together with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, Towns has evolved as a player since then, developing into one of the best bigs in the NBA.

When speaking to the media following New York's 114-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, Thibodeau praised the player Towns has become.

"He wasn’t quite as strong as he is now, and obviously didn’t have the experience," Thibodeau said. "So he didn’t go through understanding the league, his opponents, the guys he was going against, the guys that were guarding him. Now, he has that. And the thing is he’s a student of the game, he keeps adding. The passing is really I think evolved. He’s always been unselfish. He’s always been a team-first guy. But now, I think he really sees things. He understands what the defense is trying to do."

The Knicks front office has provided Thibodeau with an elite roster. New York acquired OG Anunoby in December 2023 before following that up with Mikal Bridges and Towns this summer. Despite the team's struggles to start the season, they are slowly showing signs of turning things around. Towns is also emerging as an ideal secondary star next to Jalen Brunson.

Thibodeau's relationship with Towns has undoubtedly played a role in the big man's acclimation to life in New York. Furthermore, Towns likely knows what is expected of him, allowing him to quickly begin producing at a high level on the court.

The Knicks are arguably the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. Towns give Thibodeau the ability to run a five-out offense, similar to what Kristaps Porzignis has given Joe Mazzulla. Both teams also thrive on defense and have some elite two-way wings to lean on.

New York knew it was getting a star in Towns. However, even Thibodeau may have been shocked at the improvements he's made in recent years. If the Knicks roster can gel over the coming months, his addition could be what finally brings a conference finals or NBA Finals game to Madison Square Garden.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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