Before the 2024-25 NBA season, the New York Knicks pulled off two of the biggest trades of the offseason, adding Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With their new star-studded roster, the Knicks felt that they could compete for an NBA championship, although they ultimately would lose to the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs for the second season in a row.
While Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and Mikal Bridges were solid in the Eastern Conference Finals, two scapegoats emerged for the Knicks.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0), New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), and forward Josh Hart (3)
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart Did Not Live Up to Expectations
During the Knicks' playoff run last season, Josh Hart was one of the best players on the roster, grabbing rebounds, hitting timely shots, and playing stellar defense.
With the addition of Towns, the Knicks bolstered their star power and were expected to compete, although they ran into a similar situation as last season.
When New York needed Towns and Hart the most, they were non-factors.
Towns averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds in the regular season while shooting 42 percent from deep, landing him on his third All-NBA team. Hart averaged 13.6 points and 9.6 boards.
In the decisive series, Towns averaged 24.8 points on much worse efficiency and played poor defense down the stretch. Hart posted only 8.3 points and had his starting spot taken from him after Game 2 for Mitchell Robinson, who could emerge as the Knicks' starting center next season.
After the early playoff exit, there have been calls for New York to trade Towns, and the argument makes sense. If Brunson, Anunoby, and Bridges can shoulder a large scoring load, perhaps an elite defender is better than a streaky shooter who is known for disappearing in the postseason.
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