Karl-Anthony Towns is off to one of his best starts offensively this season, mirroring the heights of his All-NBA years. With an impressive stat line that includes 26.5 points per game and 12.2 rebounds per game, Towns has re-established himself as a dominant offensive force. His shooting splits—53.6% from the field, 50.8% from beyond the arc, and 82.3% from the free-throw line—translate to a true shooting percentage of 65.2%, which is a career-high. His offensive box plus-minus (OBPM) of 6.2 further reflects his significant impact on the offensive end. However, Towns’ game has inherent weaknesses that the Knicks can solve through Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson once they return from injury.
The Knicks Can Solidify Towns Decision with Achiuwa/Robinson
Towns’ offensive contributions don’t stop at scoring. His efficiency and high shooting percentage from all three levels make him one of the league’s most difficult matchups, especially when combined with his rebounding prowess. The Knicks benefit greatly from his versatility, but they’ll need a solid defensive support system to mitigate some of the weaknesses that have shown up in Towns’ game this season.
Towns Defensive Concerns on the Knicks and the Role of Achiuwa and Robinson
While Towns is excelling offensively, his defense this season has been notably less consistent. His defensive box plus-minus (DBPM) sits at -0.6, marking the first time since his sophomore season that this metric has dipped into the negatives. Towns’ defensive rating has also taken a hit, climbing to 116.8, good for 365th in the NBA. Furthermore, the Knicks have a defensive rating of 100.3, with Towns off the court. This defensive decline has been noticeable, and while Towns’ offensive prowess can overshadow it, the Knicks would need to address this issue to contend with top teams. Last year, he had a rock-solid 109.1 defensive rating. He played at the power forward position beside Rudy Gobert. The Knicks may need to deploy a similar double-big lineup to get the most out of Towns.
Fortunately, the Knicks have two in-house options who can provide much-needed defensive support for Towns: Achiuwa and Robinson. Both players can play significant minutes at center, allowing Towns to shift to the power forward position. There, his defensive liabilities are less impactful. This lineup configuration would enable the Knicks to maximize Towns’ offensive capabilities while maintaining a strong defensive presence in the paint. While both players are currently injured, once they return, the Knicks’ defensive concerns with Towns will be alleviated.
A Defensive-Minded Closing Lineup
For the Knicks, a closing lineup that combines Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Towns, and either Achiuwa or Robinson could be a game-changer. In this lineup, Towns would have support from elite perimeter defenders like Bridges and Anunoby, as well as a defensive anchor in Robinson or Achiuwa. This setup would help compensate for Towns’ defensive struggles and create a formidable unit capable of both scoring and defending at a high level.
Achiuwa and Robinson bring different strengths to the table. Achiuwa’s athleticism and switchability allow him to defend multiple positions, while Robinson’s shot-blocking and rebounding provide a strong presence in the paint. By rotating these players based on matchup needs, the Knicks could maintain defensive flexibility and give Towns the freedom to focus on his offensive strengths.
The Prudence of Knicks’ Depth in the Frontcourt Under the Second Apron Constraint
The New York Knicks front office demonstrated foresight in retaining Robinson and Achiuwa alongside Towns, especially given their hard-capped position under the second tax apron. With the team operating above the first tax apron, they committed to the second apron constraint back in July when they aggregated salaries to acquire Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn. As a result, the Knicks cannot exceed the second apron line of $188,931,000 for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, creating limitations on additional spending and roster flexibility.
By securing Robinson and Achiuwa, the Knicks avoid costly midseason adjustments and maintain a balanced roster within financial limits, shielding themselves from the risks of overspending beyond the second apron. Even in challenging seasons, this depth helps the Knicks stay competitive without overextending financially, positioning them to make calculated roster decisions that align with league constraints.
Towns’ Decision and the Knicks’ Path Forward
The addition of Towns has reshaped the Knicks’ lineup and given them the versatility needed to compete in the playoffs. However, for this partnership to work better, the Knicks must build a roster that addresses his defensive limitations. By integrating Achiuwa and Robinson effectively, once they return from injury, the Knicks can provide Towns with the defensive support he needs and maximize the impact of his offensive game. If the Knicks can manage this balance, they could make a strong case as the team to beat in the East.
