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

Knicks have big decision to make on Karl-Anthony Towns

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 6:43 AM ET

Karl-Anthony Towns has started at center in his first season with the Knicks, a year after playing power forward next to Timberwolves bigs Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid.

The reason for Towns starting at the five has been two-fold: the injury to Mitchell Robinson and Tom Thibodeau's insistence to start both Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges at the wings next to OG Anunoby.

Now that Robinson is nearing a return from injury, Thibodeau has a big call to make: either bring Robinson off the bench or move Towns to power forward. On Tuesday, Towns appeared on TNT's simulcast of the NBA Cup quarterfinal between the Bucks and Magic. During the interview, Hall of Famer Vince Carter asked Towns if he was comfortable staying at the center spot.

"In Minnesota, it was a different system, a different role. I wanted to be a superstar in my role," Towns said. "Here in New York, I have a different role. I just want to be the best I can be for this team. If Mitchell's at the five and I'm at the four, I wanna be a superstar in that role...I've tried to amplify my teammates my whole career and want to continue doing that."

"Whatever the team needs…If Mitchell's at the 5 & I'm at the 4 I wanna be a superstar in that role. If I'm at the 5 & Precious is 4 I wanna be a superstar in that role"

–– KAT on playing 4 v 5 as Precious Achiuwa returns, Mitchell Robinson gets closer pic.twitter.com/2spmwXfZuC
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 11, 2024

There are pros and cons to both calls. The insertion of Robinson into the starting unit would instantly improve New York's defense, which ranks No. 18 in the league and could use superior rim protection. Conversely, Robinson, a non-shooter, could clog driving lanes and hamper New York's No. 1 ranked offense, which has benefited enormously from Towns' spacing and ability to shoot.

For what it's worth, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported recently that Thibodeau "is a strong advocate for Robinson" and believes Towns can "slide over to power forward" and be just as effective. Robinson was primarily a starter the last three seasons under Thibs save for the few games when he was banged up or returning from an injury.

Towns is averaging 25.1 points and 13.3 rebounds while shooting a career-high 44.7% from three.

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

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