Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA champion turned ESPN analyst, has pinpointed New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns as the player under the most pressure to deliver a championship in the 2025-26 NBA season.
Speaking on 'NBA Today', Perkins argued that Towns, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, carries the weight of New York’s title hopes due to his decade-long career marked by unmet expectations.
“KAT is a walking bucket. Arguably the best shooting big we’ve ever seen,” [Perkins said](https://www.si.com/nba/pelicans/news/kendrick-perkins-claims-knicks-star-is-under-most-pressure-to-win-01k2qszq0axa), but stressed that Towns must improve his defensive mobility to meet the Knicks’ championship aspirations.
Towns, a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds last season, earning All-NBA third-team honors and powering the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Yet, Perkins highlighted Towns’ defensive shortcomings, noting he was “getting cooked” in pick-and-roll situations, a critical flaw for a Knicks team aiming to topple giants like the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Jalen Brunson leading the offense, Towns’ ability to anchor the defense and complement the Knicks’ high-octane attack is paramount.
The Knicks, now third in championship odds behind the Thunder and Cavaliers, face sky-high expectations in New York, a city starved for a title since 1973. Perkins believes Towns’ unique skill set—scoring, shooting, and post moves—makes him the Knicks’ missing piece, but only if he rises to the challenge. All eyes are on Towns to silence critics and deliver