Integrating major new players into a revamped roster often comes with challenges, as the New York Knicks are experiencing early this season. After a 110-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing their record to 1-2, much of the talk among fans centered on Karl-Anthony Towns’ limited role in the Knicks’ offense.
Despite Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s prior experience coaching Towns with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns took only eight shots—fewer than any other starter in Monday’s game. This minimal involvement has frustrated fans, who voiced concerns on X (formerly Twitter).
“Obviously the chemistry’s not there, but Thibs really needs to coach a less predictable offense, with more off-ball movement and chances to get guys open. Towns should not be limited to single-digit shots,” wrote @ForgetfulThink1.
“Thibs’ inability to adjust his offense to showcase KAT’s skills is obvious. Towns is underutilized. Fire that old-school coach,” added @KnicksPrimeTime.
As one of the league’s most versatile scoring centers, Towns has the ability to score at all levels and creates matchup issues with his speed and ball handling—qualities that drove the Knicks to trade for him. However, seeing him take only eight shots raises questions about his role. Tommy Beer of Knicks Centric pointed out that Towns is averaging just 9.3 field-goal attempts per game this season, the fewest in his career.
This is also the first time since January 2018 that Towns has attempted fewer than 12 shots in three consecutive games—another period when he was coached by Thibodeau with the Timberwolves. Some fans argue that reducing shots for Jalen Brunson, who went 8-24 against the Cavs, could allow Towns to take on a more prominent scoring role.
