Just days before the New York Knicks tip off their 2025–26 season, one of their biggest stars is still trying to find his footing.
Karl-Anthony Towns admitted Monday that he’s struggling to understand his role in head coach Mike Brown’s new offensive system.
“Honestly, I don’t know… I don’t know. But we’re figuring it out. Honestly, I just don’t know… it’s just different. It’s different,” Towns told reporters after practice.
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
– KAT on his potential role in the Knicks’ new offense
(🎥 @sny_knicks )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 20, 2025
Brown, hired this offseason to replace Tom Thibodeau, has introduced a motion-heavy offense built on spacing, cutting, and positional fluidity. While the system is designed to unlock Towns’ versatility as a shooting big man, it also demands a steep learning curve, especially for players used to more structured roles.
Towns is now navigating his third offensive system in three seasons, following stints with the Timberwolves and Knicks under Thibodeau. Brown’s scheme requires players in positions one through four to be interchangeable, meaning Towns must master multiple roles simultaneously.
Brown acknowledged that Towns is still processing the system’s demands.
“Not only is he trying to get a rhythm,” Brown said, “he’s taking up a ton of his thought process”.
The uncertainty has reportedly created tension in the locker room, especially as the Knicks prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on their season opening night.
Last season, Towns averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and shot over 42% from three, earning All-NBA honors. Maximizing his offensive gifts was a key reason the Knicks brought in Brown. But if Towns can’t find his rhythm quickly, the team’s ceiling could be lower than expected.
