Gilbert Arenas blames Knicks’ coach for Karl-Anthony Towns’ struggles

Karl-Anthony Towns' slow start with the NY Knicks sparks criticism as Gilbert Arenas blames Coach Tom Thibodeau's outdated tactics.

Gilbert Arenas blames Knicks’ coach for Karl-Anthony Towns’ struggles

New York Knicks’ star center Karl-Anthony Towns

This was not what fans of the New York Knicks expected when the team traded for Karl-Anthony Towns. The elite shooter has begun his career by just attempting 9.3 field goals per game. This is significantly lower than his career average of 16. In response, Gilbert Arenas has expressed dissatisfaction not at KAT but with Coach Tom Thibodeau.

Gilbert Arenas noted that the Knicks’ offense remains designed around guards and forwards. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle have excelled under this style of play in the past. So far, this hasn’t utilized a high-volume shooting center like Karl-Anthony Towns. He also argued that Thibodeau’s reluctance to adjust is hindering Towns.

This is why coaching is very important, this is why training camp has to be taken seriously… You don’t have any plays for him, cool. But you’ve been in this game for a long f***ing time as a coach. You know there’s things that you can put into it that doesn’t require any practice. It’s just weird that these old-time coaches have gotten so lazy.

Gilbert Arenas on the Gil’s Arena

KAT’s addition to the Knicks was meant to strengthen the team that finished as the second seed in the Eastern Conference last season. But so far, it looks like the T-Wolves are getting the better of the trade, with Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle settling in well.

FS Video

While it’s still in the early days, Towns’ shooting volume is a concern. With 28 field goal attempts through three games, it is a career-low volume for the multiple-time All-Star player. He’s shooting 50% but has attempted only six three-pointers.

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Karl-Anthony Towns set to fuel Knicks-Heat rivalry

The New York Knicks and Miami Heat’s storied rivalry has intensified with the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns. The two teams remain the biggest threat to the Eastern Conference favorites, the Boston Celtics. Towns will experience the rivalry firsthand on Wednesday night at Kaseya Center.

Furthermore, Towns’ past with Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has added an intriguing subplot. Their tumultuous tenure together on the Minnesota Timberwolves under Tom Thibodeau led to Butler’s trade request as he downplayed the past while focusing on the present.

I’m here in New York. That’s all I’m thinking about right now. I’m a Knick. You’re bringing up Minnesota. I’m not a Timberwolf anymore. I’m a Knick.

Karl-Anthony said (via Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News)
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The Knicks will want to focus on getting back to winning ways after losing 110-104 to the in-form Cleveland Cavaliers last time out. Hopefully, coach Tom Thibodeau can capitalize on KAT’s skill set and uplift the team to remain a threat in the East.