Knicks HC Could Take Major Decision on Karl-Anthony Towns as National Reporter Drops Update on Key Player

When you are having a dream run, fatigue does kick in after a point. Similarly, something is missing for the New York Knicks on the floor. Any guesses? Pat yourself if you think about defensive power. Tom Thibodeau’s boys rank 18th in defensive rating this season. That isn’t great news for sure, more so when you sit 3rd in the seed. Because despite having Karl-Anthony Towns on the team, that protective shield that the Knickerbockers are looking for isn’t there. However, had Mitchell Robinson been around, things could’ve been different.

Speaking of Robinson, there is great news for the Knicks fans, as there is hope that the 26-year-old center could make his debut in the coming week. Well, we’ll get to this big news in a while. But before that, Coach Thibs spoke to the media ahead of New York’s face-off against the Boston Celtics. And it’s safe to say, he is brewing something for Karl-Anthony Towns.

“I think experience has taught him a lot. Coming into the league, I think he’s comfortable playing the five and then had to adjust in Minnesota,” Coach Thibodeau said of KAT. “When they traded for Gobert he adapted to that as well. So I think he had the ability to go back and forth between both positions.” There is no doubt that Towns’ ability as a playmaker and as a major force on the court makes him an asset in the lineup.

The New York Knicks HC further noted: “Offensively I think his skill set allows him to do that, he can spread the floor, he shoots the three, and he’s got guard-like skills. Defensively that’s where the challenge comes.” As pointed out by several experts before, the defense has been seemingly weak for Karl-Anthony Towns.

However, as the five of the Knicks in Mitchell Robinson’s absence, KAT has been doing a great job. Averaging 24.8 points per game, 13.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, he’s helping the team bag more wins this season. But things will take an interesting turn once the number 23 returns to the side.

Mitchell Robinson’s potential return after a year could shake up the lineup. And who knows, maybe Tom Thibodeau could put KAT in a new role. Before the speculations on Towns’ so-called new role begin, here’s what Shams Charania had to say about Robinson.

Amidst rumored switch in roles for Karl-Anthony Towns, brilliant news drops in for Mitchell Robinson

During Sunday’s episode of NBA Countdown, ESPN’s senior insider, Shams Charania shared some good news (for a change!). He reported that 26-year-old New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson could have his season debut as early as next week. The stalwart center has been cleared to resume 5-on-5 scrimmaging, Charania reported.

“I told Stephen A. [Smith] in October on his show that Mitchell Robinson will miss the calendar year 2024,” Charania said. “I’m here to report that Mitchell Robinson is closing on his season debut. Sources tell me his goal is to make his return to the lineup at some point over the next week … Robinson will make a determination on when that target date could be.”

Mitchell Robinson, 26, remains sidelined for the 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle. The big man, who averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks last season, suffered a stress fracture during New York’s first-round battle against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite his defensive presence, injuries continue to haunt him, leaving the Knicks without their anchor in the paint.

Now, coming back, Karl-Anthony Towns who’s been playing as the five for Tom Thibodeau in Robinson’s absence, could see a shift in his role on the team. Or maybe, there could be a rotation, where Mitchell and KAT come off the bench and start as per requirements. Doesn’t sound like a bad idea, right? But then, we’ll leave the HC to decide what’s best for his team. Until then, what do you think? Will Towns’ position change once Robinson returns?