Overview

• ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said Towns is under increased pressure to improve his conditioning and defensive play.
• The Knicks replaced coach Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown and added offensive specialist T.J. Saint to Brown’s staff.
• Towns averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from three-point range, earning All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honors in 2024-25.
• Knicks’ coaching staff is weighing a lineup pairing Towns with rim-protecting center Mitchell Robinson to mitigate defensive vulnerabilities.
• Towns credited Carmelo Anthony’s mentorship for helping him adapt during his first season and embrace New York’s culture.