Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla reacts to New York Knicks acquiring star Karl-Anthony Towns from Timberwolves
The New York Knicks continued fortifying their roster Friday, acquiring star big man Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nevertheless, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla appears unconcerned about his squad's potentially increased Eastern Conference competition.
New York gave up key assets for Towns, with star forward Julius Randle and sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo heading to Minnesota. It also relinquished draft compensation and salary filler to help complete the blockbuster three-team deal involving the Charlotte Hornets.
However, Randle missed the Knicks' entire 2024 second-round playoff run due to a right shoulder injury. So, they proved they could compete without him. Meanwhile, the franchise acquired star wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets earlier this offseason, seemingly making DiVincenzo more expendable.
New York now enters the 2024-25 campaign with a revamped roster around franchise point guard Jalen Brunson. On top of its new Big 3 featuring Bridges and Towns, the organization still has proven complementary two-way role players in OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. Thus, many view the Knicks as a growing threat to the reigning NBA champion Celtics.
On Sunday, Mazzulla spoke with reporters before Boston heads to Abu Dhabi for its preseason matchups against the Denver Nuggets. As expected, the first-time champion was asked about New York's league-altering deal.
While Mazzulla briefly praised Towns, he quickly shifted the focus toward the Celtics' need for perpetual improvement.
"All teams are trying to make roster moves to get better," Mazzulla said. "Karl-Anthony Towns is a great player and they are a great team. We’ve gotta focus on us and we’ve gotta get better every day."
While Boston and New York finished first (64-18) and second (50-32) in the East last season, they didn't cross paths in the playoffs. The Knicks ultimately fell one win short of the conference finals, losing in seven games to the Indiana Pacers in Round 2.
Meanwhile, the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown-led Celtics coasted to a 16-3 postseason record en route to the franchise's historic 18th title. That includes losing just two games against East opponents.
However, with its roster reinforcements, New York could be primed to challenge Boston in a potential 2025 playoff showdown.
The two squads will first square off on opening night of this upcoming season on Oct. 22 at TD Garden.
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Al Horford on Karl-Anthony Towns' fit with Knicks
Boston Celtics veteran center Al Horford also weighed in on Karl-Anthony Towns getting traded to New York.
Following Sunday's practice, Horford highlighted how the 7-footer's versatility stands to benefit the Knicks.
"Karl's a great player," Horford said. "He's going to be good for them. He does a lot of things on the floor."
Over 62 outings last season, Towns averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.2 3-pointers per game, shooting 50.4% and 41.6% from deep.
The four-time All-Star's strong play helped the Timberwolves secure the Western Conference's third seed (56-26) and make their first conference finals appearance since 2004.
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