The New York Knicks have been a busy team this offseason. The Knicks have already landed Mikal Bridges in a Blockbuster trade and now have finally acquired their target Karl Anthony-Towns. Knicks president Leon Rose said that Towns possesses a combination of skills and size that “allows him to compete at a level that is rare in this league.” The Knicks president was praised for their new star and hopes that he’ll succeed at the Big Apple. On the other hand, ex-Knicks star Iman Shumpert has a different take.
Shumpert was on the show First Take and had a different point of view on the trade. “I love them on paper like I love them [KAT-Brunson]. I love that on paper, that’s awesome. I don’t love that at the end of the game in the playoffs. It’s not scary enough.” Shumpert thinks that the duo will not be enough for the Knicks to clear the Playoffs. He made a point by saying that the duo is not scary enough to make other teams would not lose sleep over it.
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“I love [KAT and Jalen Brunson] on paper. … I don’t love that at the end of the game in the playoffs. It’s not scary enough.”
—@imanshumpert on the new-look Knicks 👀 pic.twitter.com/aOAdNZYaeD
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 2, 2024
“There’s gotta be some player that can go off by himself in the playoffs. Me being a part of playoffs, for years, I just know, but I just know that pick and roll calls for adjustment, tags, Rotation.” According to Shumpert, a championship-winning side should have a player who can carry the team’s weight on his shoulders, especially during the latter stages.
The Knicks are looking to put forward their contention for the championship this season by adding KAT to their lineup. Having said that they have lost a key player in Julius Randle has been a pivotal player for the Knicks for several years. While some fans may point to his struggles with injuries, it’s undeniable that when he’s healthy, the Knicks become a much stronger team. He helps take some of the pressure off from Brunson and also has fantastic playmaking skills. The Knicks will miss him but landing KAT could be a game-changer for the upcoming season. Let’s take a look at what the experts have to say about the new NYC duo.
“Guard…rotate” – Iman Shumpert on stopping the Knicks duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns
What’s your perspective on:
Is Iman Shumpert right about the Knicks' new duo not being 'scary enough' for the playoffs?
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The newly formed duo in the Big Apple has been the talk of the town. Karl Anthony-Towns could be the missing piece of the puzzle for the Knicks. However, Iman Shumpert has a strategy in mind that NBA teams should take note of. “At the end of the game. I will take my chance. Yes, I will guard Brunson and we will rotate on KAT,” Shumpert said. His idea to stop the newly formed force is simple—guard Brunson and keep players on rotation to guard Karl Anthony-Towns.
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The main question it raises is whether it is this simple. A lot of experts would beg to differ from the former Knicks star. ESPN expert Bobby Mark said, “KAT makes the Knicks starting lineup better than the Celtics.” He believes KAT is exactly what the Knicks needed. The Celtics have Kristaps Porziņģis who played a huge role for them last season in winning the championship. KAT could give the Kicks a similar kind of output, according to the experts.
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The Knicks offensively now are very fluid and will try to compete this season eye-to-eye with the defending champs. According to interviews, the team is also excited about KAT’s arrival and Brunson is also looking forward to playing alongside his new teammate. While it remains to be seen how things will work out in New York, one thing is assured everyone will be watching it closely.
What do you think? How will Kar-Anthony Town fare with the New York Knicks? Let us know in the comments.
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Is Iman Shumpert right about the Knicks' new duo not being 'scary enough' for the playoffs?