"That ain't KAT's job" - Former Warriors guard highlights potential risks of Karl-Anthony Towns on Knicks roster

The New York Knicks took a big swing this offseason when they stepped into the market and traded for All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. Signing the talented center/forward adds an established star to the Knicks roster, but there are potential risks that come with his arrival. According to former Golden State Warriors guard Gilbert Arenas, the team should be concerned with some aspects of Towns' game.

On his podcast "Gil's Arena," Arenas raised concerns about Towns' lack of physicality and whether he would be able to be the "enforcer" the Knicks need.

"I think where it hurts is you don't have an enforcer anymore that protects Brunson," said Arenas.

"That ain't KAT's job. He is not going to be sitting there trying to level people that hit Brunson a few times. I think that is going to hurt them moving forward."

Standing 7-feet and weighing nearly 250 pounds, the Dominican/American big man has a presense on the court. However, he's regarded as more of a finesse player than one who uses aggression on the court.

Arenas also highlighted Karl-Anthony Towns' lack of free throw attempts, and how that would heap more pressure on guard Jalen Brunson as the season progresses.

"KAT don't get to the free throw line. Because KAT don't get fouls he doesn't create foul opportunities," added Arenas. "There is nobody that creates fouls. Now it is just Brunson."

Last season, Towns ranked third in the Minnesota Timberwolves roster with 292 free throw attempts, finishing with significantly less that Anthony Edwards (506) and Rudy Gobert (390). He has averaged just 4.7 free throw attempts per game over the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

The Knicks gave up some key pieces to acquire Towns this offseason. Three-time All-Star forward Julius Randle and fan-favorite guard Donte DiVincenzo were sent to Minnesota along with a future first-round pick. New York also picked up Towns' hefty contract, which will see him earning $220 million over the next four seasons.

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Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year offers Karl-Anthony Towns important advice going into 2024-25 season

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns shoots the ball during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Photo Credit: Imagn

Karl-Anthony Towns is considered one of the game's elite players, but there are aspects of his game he needs to work on as he continues to develop.

According to former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Eddie A. Johnson, Towns will be called on to play a big role next season, and the New York Knicks will need their center to play substantial minutes.

"That's one thing that he's got the guard against. He has got to learn to play and be negotiable on when he fouls," said Johnson.

The departure of Julius Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein leaves the Knicks light on centers. Hence it's critical that Karl-Anthony Towns avoids falling into foul trouble early in games.

The Knicks finished with a 50-32 record last season and went all the way to the Eastern Conference semifinals. With the addition of Towns, Tom Thibodeau's team will look to go deeper next year.