Karl-Anthony Towns' Move To Knicks Receives Poor Grade After Underwhelming Season

Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes graded the New York Knicks' trade for Karl-Anthony Towns a C- following the team's playoff performance. Hughes argued that the synergy between Towns and Jalen Brunson, which boosted the Knicks' regular season net rating and offensive rating, nearly vanished in the playoffs. Teams exploited their defensive weaknesses in pick-and-roll coverage, exposing a "postseason frailty." Hughes concluded the Knicks were better in the playoffs with either Towns or Brunson playing solo rather than together.

The article notes Hughes's evaluation, highlighting Towns' inconsistent defense and occasional offensive lapses being magnified under playoff scrutiny, could be viewed as accurate. However, it presents evidence suggesting the criticism might be unfair. The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, with Towns and Brunson leading the way. The team displayed tremendous performances, including impressive late-game comebacks to upset the Boston Celtics.

Furthermore, Towns had an outstanding individual regular season statistically, averaging 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds while shooting 52.6% from the field and 42.0% from three-point range, establishing himself as a capable offensive force for the Knicks.