Karl-Anthony Towns is still adjusting to the New York Knicks’ new offense under new head coach Mike Brown, who took over following Tom Thibodeau’s sudden firing after the team’s Eastern Conference Finals run in 2025.
Speaking Monday at practice, Towns acknowledged the transition process. “It’s gonna take time, new system, just all of us trying to be the best weekend in the system. Just buy in, just doing our best to make the system work for us,” he said.
The 7-foot center stressed focusing on the present rather than predicting outcomes. “Stay in the present, don’t worry about all the chatter, all the noise outside. Just worry about what’s in the locker room, what we got accomplished, what we got to do, get better every day,” Towns added.
Towns emphasized being aggressive on the offensive end while learning the system. “I just go to score the ball if I get the ball, I’m just being aggressive in my play,” he said, noting that the team is in the process of figuring out roles and responsibilities within Brown’s system.
The Knicks enter the 2025–26 season with a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Alongside Towns, the roster features Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Mitchell Robinson.
Towns highlighted the value of facing strong competition in the preseason. “It’s a good test, a good test early, makes us better. When you go against the best of the best, you see where you stand and also things we got to work on,” he said, reflecting on matchups against Philadelphia and Minnesota.
The 2025 preseason saw the Knicks finish 4–1, with Towns contributing across the board, including 11 rebounds in an overtime win against Minnesota.
Despite uncertainty in the new system, Towns remains optimistic about the season. “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s just different. We’re still figuring it out,” he said, adding that he feels physically stronger and mentally prepared to lead the team.
The Knicks open their regular season at Madison Square Garden on October 22 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
