The New York Knicks have been on a solid run lately, and Karl-Anthony Towns has been a key factor in their success. Despite a recent setback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Towns has been making his presence felt on the boards and contributing in various ways.
However, the Knicks will need more than the 14 points on four shots that Towns managed in their 109-94 loss to the Cavaliers. To chase a championship, Towns needs to elevate beyond his current 20 points per game average.
On the court, it seems Towns is struggling to find his scoring groove. He’s openly discussed his challenges in adapting to Mike Brown's offensive system, and his performance against Cleveland highlighted this ongoing issue.
With his scoring prowess, averaging 24.4 points per game just last season, Towns should be taking more than four shots. The Knicks are relying on him to be a scoring powerhouse, not just a rebounder.
While developing into an elite passer and defender would be a bonus, New York primarily needs Towns to put up points.
Currently, the Knicks rank ninth in points per game with 117.1, a slight improvement over last season's 115.8. Yet, they've slipped in league rankings, indicating they haven't kept pace with the league-wide scoring surge. Despite this, the Knicks' offense can still be impressive when firing on all cylinders.
Towns, however, is experiencing a downturn, scoring the second-fewest points of his career at 20.0 per game. The hope was that Towns, alongside Jalen Brunson and Brown, would form a formidable trio. Instead, Towns' inconsistency has been more pronounced.
Last season, Towns faced less scrutiny as he averaged 24.4 points with 22 games scoring 30 or more. Yet, the Knicks still fell short of reaching the Finals.
This season, Brown's system seems to be stifling Towns' potential. He's no longer a focal point, averaging fewer dunk or layup attempts and one less isolation play per game.
Overall, Towns is taking three fewer shots per game compared to last season, missing the opportunities he thrives on.
Without Towns shouldering a larger scoring burden, the pressure mounts on Brunson, OG Anunoby, and others. While Brunson remains a consistent force, Anunoby isn't on Towns' scoring level, making it unrealistic to expect him to be the second option on a championship team. The same goes for Mikal Bridges.
Towns' reduced scoring is also problematic given his salary. As a top-tier offensive talent, he's being paid $53 million this season, with $57 million guaranteed next year, and a $61 million player option in 2027-28.
With the Knicks' total salary at $211 million, Towns accounts for over 25% of it. That’s a hefty price for a player not being utilized to his full potential.
Paying Towns like a franchise player limits the Knicks' ability to build around him effectively. Yet, his talent justifies a star-level salary.
The solution for New York is clear: they need to integrate Towns more into their offensive strategy. Allow him the opportunity to shine or stumble.
Restricting him only caps the team's potential and limits their achievements this season and beyond.