Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks.
Getty Images
Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks.
Karl-Anthony Towns gave the New York Knicks everything they hoped for in his first season in blue and orange: a hometown return, an All-NBA selection, and numbers that re-established him as one of the league’s premier big men — 24.4 points, a career-high 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 42% shooting from three.
But away from the court, Towns is showing something else Knicks fans have come to appreciate: empathy.
The Piscataway native, who lost several family members, including his mother, Jacqueline Towns, to COVID-19 in 2020, is now standing by former Minnesota Timberwolves teammate Naz Reid after Reid’s sister, Toraya, was fatally shot in New Jersey over the weekend.
“Heartbroken. No words can ever take away the pain for my brother. Holding everyone close in prayer today. 🙏❤️,” Towns wrote on X.
Tragedy in New Jersey
Toraya Reid, 28, was killed Sept. 6 in Jackson Township, New Jersey.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Shaquille Green, 29, has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Green, who had been in a dating relationship with Toraya Reid, is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
According to authorities, officers responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at the Paragon Apartment Complex on Larsen Road. They found Toraya Reid unresponsive near the complex’s exit with apparent multiple gunshot wounds. Green was apprehended without incident nearby.
Naz Reid honored his sister on social media, posting a series of photos celebrating their bond. In 2023, he told Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, “[Toraya] treats us like she’s our parent.”
Towns’ Trade Creates Two Career Shifts
Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid, Timberwolves
Getty Karl-Anthony Towns (R) reacts with Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Towns’ move to New York last year marked a sort of homecoming, bringing him closer to his roots while giving him a platform for a career season.
For Reid, Towns’ trade opened playing time in Minnesota, contributing to a breakout season. A former Sixth Man of the Year, Reid averaged career highs of 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 80 regular-season games, including a career-high 17 starts. This offseason, he signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Timberwolves, underscoring the team’s commitment to retaining him over wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who joined the Atlanta Hawks in a sign-and-trade deal.
Shared Roots, Shared Loss
Towns and Reid grew up on opposite sides of New Jersey, each carving a path from high school stardom to the NBA. Towns starred at St. Joseph in Metuchen, while Reid played at Roselle Catholic. Their time together in Minnesota forged a close bond, one that remains strong even as Towns thrives in New York and Reid cements his role in Minnesota.
Towns’ public support highlights that while his professional career is experiencing a renaissance in New York, his connections to former teammates — and the empathy born from personal loss — remain unshakable.