New philosophies have entered New York since Mike Brown came in. He has made plans to use Jalen Brunson off the ball, or even Karl-Anthony Towns as a versatile option. Taking the helm from one of the most successful coaches in Knicks history, there are big expectations on Brown. However, despite the basketball pressure, Towns’ first meeting with his new head coach involved no strategies.

It was all about growing their relationship. Karl-Anthony Towns recently spoke to Yahoo Sports, recalling that he wanted to get to know Mike Brown rather than his vision for him as a player with the Knicks.

“I didn’t even want to talk basketball with him. Um, I just wanted to be able to understand where he’s at in life and like what’s his um hobbies and what’s the things that he likes to watch and stuff. So, we have a good relationship, you know, let’s not even get basketball involved yet,” Towns said on Yahoo Sports.

Mike Brown is a players coach. When he was coaching the Sacramento Kings, the former Coach of the Year publicly called out his All-Stars, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, during press conferences. Without any understanding between player and coach, it seems to be an insult.

But later, Fox stated the Kings’ firing of Brown played a role in his leaving for the Spurs. Without a close relationship, Brown’s passion could be misunderstood.

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Now, Karl-Anthony Towns has had some problems with coaches before. Notably, when under Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota, the two didn’t have a great equation. But Towns has matured a lot over the past few seasons. He played a splendid role under Thibs last season, averaging his most points since 2022. On media day, he also said, “my preference is winning,” on board to do whatever the coach Brown asks from him.

And the former Cavaliers head coach expects great things from Towns.

Mike Brown has big plans for Karl-Anthony Towns

Mike Brown wants to change the face of the Knicks. The roster has a plethora of talent that can adapt to a high-intensity style. The Knicks coach has established pace as the way the team will play. Furthermore, he also outlined plans to have Jalen Brunson become an off-ball threat. The situation with Towns is rather tricky.

The main driver appears to be financial pressure, particularly the need to avoid exceeding luxury tax thresholds due to Towns’ massive contract and upcoming extensions for other key players. A notable report mentioned the Knicks exploring a trade with the Brooklyn Nets involving Towns, which would help them regain draft assets and add financial flexibility. This hypothetical trade would send Towns to the Nets in exchange for Nic Claxton and several future first-round picks.

Because of his defensive shortcomings, having a rim protector like Mitchell Robinson does favor the Knicks. His availability is what initially prompted trade rumors for Towns. But Mike Brown sees him as a dynamic threat and plans to use his versatility.

“We want to move him around to the weak corner, strong corner, weak wing, sometimes as the push man offensively. And when [KAT] is at the 5, we feel he is a really good passer. So sometimes he’ll be at the rim, sometimes he’ll be at the elbow. And when he’s at the elbow, that’s when he’s going to be in a big decision-making role,” he said on Towns’ role.

There have been a few bigs who have the ability to shoot the ball like Karl-Anthony Towns. He shot 42% from three, almost as good as his career-high. The five-time All-Star is yet to be tested as a playmaker, but he is a capable decision-maker on the open floor. In terms of moving off from him, Brown’s elaborate plans do dim the possibility.

Moreover, a compromised East gives the Knicks their best chance at the championship. Karl-Anthony Towns will be a big factor. And Brown has immense trust in his All-Star center.