It’s been quite the struggle for New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns to begin the 2025-26 season, and many pundits are beginning to take notice.
Through the Knicks’ first five games, Towns is averaging just 18.0 points and 12.8 rebounds per game to open the season. The Knicks as a whole have stumbled to a 2-3 record to open the season, with Towns’ shortcomings being a big reason why.
While his struggles offensively have been apparent, his defensive lapses are what is causing the most attention. In the Knicks’ 135-125 loss to the Chicago Bulls, Towns had a solid game offensively, scoring 22 points and snagging 10 rebounds. However, numerous defensive miscues down the stretch led to the Knicks demise.
ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins took to X after the game to criticize Towns and his lack of defensive prowess.
“Until Towns decided [to] switch his mindset and give an above average [effort] defensively… the Knicks will never reach their potential,” he tweeted.
Towns’ defensive struggles have long been a topic of discussion in Knicksville. So much so that the team has since moved him out of the center position, and opted to play him at power forward next to Mitchell Robinson going forward. Currently, it seems as though Towns is having a tough time adjusting to a new role.
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