CHARLESTON, SC. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Karl-Anthony Towns is making his introduction to the New York Knicks under the Lowcountry sunshine. The former Kentucky Wildcat joined the Knicks for training camp in Charleston, South Carolina at The Citadel. The Trade Towns was involved in a trade that sent fellow UK product, Julius Randle, to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange. “Shocked. The…
CHARLESTON, SC. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Karl-Anthony Towns is making his introduction to the New York Knicks under the Lowcountry sunshine.
The former Kentucky Wildcat joined the Knicks for training camp in Charleston, South Carolina at The Citadel.
The Trade
Towns was involved in a trade that sent fellow UK product, Julius Randle, to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange.
“Shocked. The word flabbergasted would be more correct,” said Town on the transaction.
Towns will play on a new team for the first time in the New Jersey native’s career as he enters year six in the league.
He spent five seasons with the T-Wolves and is a four-time all star. Last season, he averaged 21.8 points, three assists and 8.3 rebounds per game in his 62 starts.
Home Sweet Home
Towns’ Jersey roots are on his mind as he prepares to play close to home in Piscataway for the first time since high school. Spending time with his family is at the top of the former number one draft pick’s list.
“It was great to sit back and think that I’ll be able to be with my family,” said Towns. “Be with my grandmother more, see my niece and nephew grow up.”
Conference Contenders
The Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, but fell to the Indiana Pacers in seven games.
New York’s roster has proven veterans in Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson as well as another Wildcat for Towns to mesh with. Jacob Toppin is a former Wildcat who has played with the Knicks since last season.
There’s also a reunion. Towns is back with former Minnesota head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“I know the offense that he runs and the way he likes to play defense. I know what he expects from his player. I think that gives us a head start,” said Towns.