When people think of Karl-Anthony Towns, they picture scoring. And for good reason: the five-time All-Star is one of the most skilled offensive bigs in NBA history. But one of the most overlooked aspects of his game is his ability to create for others.
The Underrated Side of Towns’ Game
Towns has shown flashes as a gifted passer, particularly when operating from the high post. His vision allows him to hit cutters, find shooters, and keep defenses rotating. He has averaged over 4.0 assists per game three different times, though each came in seasons shortened by injuries.
That ability has never been fully unleashed — but under Mike Brown, it might finally be.
Brown’s Blueprint from Sacramento
In Sacramento, Brown built his offense around Domantas Sabonis, empowering him as a facilitator from the high post. The result? Sabonis averaged 7.3 and 8.2 assists per game in his two full seasons under Brown, earning consecutive All-NBA selections while anchoring one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
The Knicks could apply the same approach with Towns. By allowing him to function as a hub, New York’s deep rotation of scorers would orbit around him, maximizing spacing and movement without relying solely on his shot attempts.
Balancing Scoring and Playmaking
Of course, the Knicks still need Towns to be aggressive. In last year’s playoffs, New York was far more successful when he attempted 16 or more shots per game. His scoring pressure changes defenses. But pairing that aggression with a more consistent playmaking role could unlock the final piece of the puzzle for a 2025-26 Finals run.
Instead of asking Towns to dominate exclusively as a scorer, Brown’s system could transform him into a true offensive hub — the kind of player who not only puts up points but also elevates everyone around him.
