“Despite the unfair criticism that he’s received, he’s a great player. I respect him. I know my teammates respect him … That’s what great players do. They figure it out.” Kyrie Irving came to Karl-Anthony Towns‘ defense amid heavy criticism. Towns faced intense scrutiny after the Timberwolves’ Game 3 loss to the Mavs in the 2024 Western Conference Finals. The 4x NBA All-Star struggled, drawing sharp remarks from legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. The pressure was on, but Irving’s words reminded everyone of KAT’s potential as a hooper.

In tricky situations like the one Towns faced, people always appreciate a few words of praise. Therefore, even to this day, Karl-Anthony Towns never misses his chance to thank Kyrie Irving. During his conversation with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, the Knicks star called 8x NBA All-Star his “Jersey Dawg.” Towns continued: “That’s my guy. You know what man, I’ve known Kyrie since he was young and I’ve seen the work he put into his game. So I know everyone goes so crazy when he’s doing these layups and he’s dribbling. But I’ve seen him since he was young, doing that.” 

Karl-Anthony Towns further shared: “I’ve seen the drill he was putting and I definitely stole a lot of the drill for myself. So I can improve myself as a player. You know when you’re watching greatness, you study greatness and you try to implement it into your game.” He concluded by praying the best for Kyrie who has been so supportive of him. “I’ve been blessed to watch him since I was young before the NBA, before Duke, before any of that. To just see where he’s at now, I mean in my eyes he’s a legend in the game.”

However, something that will remain inevitable is the rivalry the two hoopers will bring to the floor. On the court, KAT and Uncle Drew are sworn enemies, but once they step off, the scene changes. Therefore, it is always a feast to watch the multiple All-Star holders come face-to-face with each other. Meanwhile, former Knicks guard Iman Shumpert has raised his concerns regarding Karl-Anthony Towns’ Knicks trade. So, what’s going on?

“Not scary enough” – Ex-New York Knicks guard not convinced about Karl-Anthony Towns trade

The New York Knicks made waves by trading for Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. In exchange, they gave up Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, Keita Bates-Diop, and a future first-round pick. The goal was to strengthen their playoff chances after two straight second-round exits. While this move raises their potential, former Knicks guard Iman Shumpert expressed concern on ESPN’s First Take, saying, “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.”

Though the Knicks finished second in the Eastern Conference last season, they were still far behind the Boston Celtics. There’s a lot of ground to make up. The success of this trade hinges on how well Brunson and Towns can work together in the playoffs. They’ll play alongside Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. Despite their improved roster, it’s unclear if they’re better than before.

However, Karl-Anthony Towns will likely do everything in his power to prove Shumpert wrong. His setback with the Timberwolves must have been enough to tell him what to rectify this time. Moreover, KAT is in his dream team—the New York Knicks. So, this should motivate him to help the team become a tough title contender this time. And who knows, maybe KAT is taking 2000 shots instead of 1500 now.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.