NBA News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

May 31, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Mikal Bridges (25) speak in the fourth quarter during game six of the eastern conference finals against the Indiana Pacers for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

'Who Was On The Timberwolves When Thibs Got Fired In 2019?': Karl-Anthony Towns Pointed As Reason For Tom Thibodeau’s Firing By Anonymous NBA Exec

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 2:04 PM ET

New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns has been in the headlines after the team fired Tom Thibodeau . The Knicks had a bad run against the Indiana Pacers. Despite Thibodeau sending the team to the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, they decided to part ways.

Several were unhappy with the decision, and many started to question it. During all the drama, Towns was also involved. Recently, things took a wild turn when an anonymous NBA executive called out Towns for the reason behind Thibodeau’s departure. Ashish Mathur of Hoops Wire broke the news on social media of the anonymous analysts’ claim.

“Who was on the Timberwolves when Thibs got fired in 2019? Who is KAT’s former agent (Leon Rose, who is now the president of the Knicks. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if KAT told Leon and (James) Dolan during his exit interview that he didn’t want to play for Thibs anymore,” the executive said.

An anonymous NBA executive believes Karl-Anthony Towns may have played a role in Tom Thibodeau’s firing

“Who was on the Timberwolves when Thibs got fired in 2019? Who is KAT’s former agent (Leon Rose, who is now the president of the Knicks)? I wouldn’t be surprised at all if KAT… pic.twitter.com/2RGRArGBmD

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 5, 2025

The post was shared on X, and several fans are wondering who the anonymous analyst was to make such a bold claim.

The Knicks president, Leon Rose , and Jim Dolan decided to part ways with Thibodeau. Karl-Anthony Towns has been pretty close to Thibodeau since he played with the Minnesota Timberwolves under his guidance.

NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks Shopping Mitchell Robinson Says Insider 3 Dec 11, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau coaches against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Robert Horry Shares Advice For Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns was certainly upset with the team’s defeat, but it’s over and he can only hope for a better season next time. Towns also received a piece of advice from former player Robert Horry. The veteran forward thinks that Towns can be better with his shape.

“People always talk about Luka’s shape, but if you look at Karl, I think he can get in better shape. He’s very top-heavy, and I think he can get in better shape. He wears like what size 21 shoes, but I think he can move his feet. If you watch him offensive, he just got to want to, and Karl-Anthony’s problem is, he does a lot of silly fouls,” Horry said.

“When he sets a screen, he puts his hips out and things like that. He just has to learn how to curtail those fouls, and be more streamlined with his movements, and just be smarter. I think he’ll be fine defensively,” Horry continued.

New York Knicks Urged to Consider Signing 39-Year-Old Free Agent This Offseason 4 May 31, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the third quarter during game six of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Many analysts, fans, and insiders criticized Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite his hard work, not many were happy with what he did with the Knicks.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: