Watch: Karl-Anthony Towns’ debut with Knicks starts with no-hesitation 3-pointer against Hornets in NBA preseason action
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns made an immediate impact in his first appearance with the team during the preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Known for his offensive prowess, Towns made his mark on the floor by sinking in a deep 3-pointer in the first period of the game.
His new teammate, Jalen Brunson, passed him the ball, and Towns immediately went up to score his first points as a member of the Knicks.
Towns was part of the trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The trade occurred before media day started for the rest of the league. The former Kentucky Wildcats star spent nine years with the Wolves and was one of the most loved players by the fans.
Towns wasn't the only player in the Knicks to get his first points against the Hornets. Mikal Bridges, the forward the organization traded for during the offseason, scored his first two points on a layup.
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Former NBA player believes Karl-Anthony Towns trade helps the Knicks
Experts have given their thoughts on the Knicks-Wolves trade since it was reported. Many believe that the trade does not affect either team. However, former NBA player Patrick Beverley, believes that the trade helps the New York franchise as he's a strong believer of Karl-Anthony Towns.
"Helps the Knicks," Beverley said. "It’s something about KAT when he plays other fives he always shows up. And he shoot 43 (percent) from the top of the key from three. All that penetration and kicking that Brunson doing, all that defense and transition, and you got KAT coming back as a trailer. I like it for the Knicks."
Beverley is familiar with how Karl-Anthony Towns plays as they were teammates during the 2021-22 season. Together, they worked to help the Wolves make the postseason.
Additionally, the Knicks have another go-to scorer in Towns. Over the past few seasons, the only reliable scorer they had was Jalen Brunson, as Randle was often injured. KAT won't need time to adjust offensively as well since he's played under Tom Thibodeau in the past.