The New York Knicks loaded up this offseason. They made key signings to shape their identity in the era of Mike Brown. But the influx of options has left many questions unanswered. More importantly, what will the Knicks’ starting lineup look like? Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson’s additions have created a desirable problem for Brown. Good thing, he won’t have an ego problem.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been at the center of trade speculations throughout the summer. Those talks haven’t affected his devotion to the Knicks. Brown has a decision to make when it comes to the prolific center. Does he start him as a five or shift him to power forward like Chris Finch did? But no matter what Brown decides to do, Towns is just hungry to make an impact.

“My preference is winning. That’s the only preference I got,” Karl-Anthony Towns said about his preferred position. Additionally, he is also confident in his teammates. Towns feels the Knicks always have a chance of winning, no matter if he shares the floor with Josh Hart and plays as a traditional center or with Mitchell Robinson.

Towns’ role could look much different under Brown than it did under Tom Thibodeau. Notably, his three-point attempts took a dip last season. He spent a major part of the season playing as a center due to Robinson’s injury. If the Knicks’ shot blocker can manage to stay healthy, Mike Brown could toggle between a few different combinations depending on their rivals.

However, this does not mean that even Thibodeau did not see the value in starting KAT alongside Robinson, which happened deep in the playoffs. In the limited instances where they shared the floor, the KAT-Mitch lineup achieved a strong plus-9.2 net rating. Their combined presence on the court generated a stellar 39.5% offensive rebound rate, leading to many second-chance opportunities. Further, Robinson’s rim protection and defensive skill allows KAT to focus on his offensive gifts, as he is widely regarded as one of the best shooting bigs in modern NBA.

Top Stories

Angel Reese’s Unrivaled Exit Hints at Deeper On-Court Tension, Says Analyst

Indiana Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Announces Secret Commitment Away From WNBA

JJ Redick Drops Deandre Ayton Update After Injury Exit In Lakers vs Grizzlies

Steve Kerr Refuses to Send Clear Message as Changes in Warriors Locker Room Emerge

“A Lot of Blown Smoke”: How Norman Powell Views Clippers Front Office Ahead of Return To Intuit Dome (Exclusive)

As for Towns’ confidence, there is no better time for the Knicks. The East has been the weaker conference. Now, with the Celtics short-handed, New York have their best chance of getting out of the East. And it’s just as important a season for Karl-Anthony Towns, who will soon be extension-eligible.

Karl-Anthony Towns needs to make this season count

Under Thibodeau, Karl-Anthony Towns was limited to the things he could do. But his uncertain future with the Knicks doesn’t concern his performances. Towns was still assertive, averaging over 24 for the first time in three years, along with a career-high 12.8 rebounds. The issue is the Knicks’ top-loaded salaries.

KAT is their highest earner, making $53 million this season. The rest of the starting lineup from last season all earn over $20 million. So the reason for trading Towns would be avoiding the extensive penalties of being over the second apron. It’s the same reason they are looking to offload Miles McBride to create an open roster spot.

At this point, the only way the Knicks would be willing to step over is if the team can achieve success. That’s why Karl-Anthony Towns is integral. The 29-year-old needs to bring his best to capitalize on the Knicks’ championship window. If the front office sees promise, they could opt to extend Towns, signalling confidence in the pairing between him and Jalen Brunson.

An advantage is the Knicks’ reformed roster. Unlike last season, the team has several outlets to go to. Outside of their high-profile starters, Brown has the luxury of going to his bench, which consists of some impact-makers. Ultimately, this season is the New York Knicks’ test as a team and how they play together.

If the combinations work, there’s no need to change a winning formula. However, with the investment they have made, that should be the benchmark they set this season.