Karl-Anthony Towns reveals SPECIAL Knicks connection with late mother despite disappointing trade
Karl-Anthony Towns, the newest member of the New York Knicks, shared a very personal connection to the team, involving his parents.
Follow Us
Karl-Anthony Towns, Jacqueline Cruz
After nine years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns‘ trade to the New York Knicks shook the whole NBA. The deal brings a significant power shift in the game. The man of the deal, Towns shed some light on the change, shedding some nostalgia as well.
Karl-Anthony Towns appeared on the Club Shay Shay podcast and had a chat with Shannon Sharpe about the recent Knicks trade. The sports analyst asked the NBA star whether he was a Knicks fan or a Brooklyn Nets fan. Right off the bat, Towns shared being a Knicks fan growing up, having also gone to their games with his mother.
They gave my dad a chance, my mom grew up talking so much about Madison Square Garden and the history that comes with it, of course. I was impressionable and on top of that, the most impressionable stage of my career when playing basketball.
Karl-Anthony Towns said
"When my mom immigrated over from D.R., she always went to the Knicks games and I loved my mom. Also, the @nyknicks were one of the few teams that gave my dad a chance in the NBA. … What I respected so, so much about Thibs is that he wanted to win. I appreciate him even more… pic.twitter.com/vTyfwVfEei
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) October 2, 2024
Additionally, Knicks were ‘the only team’ that gave his father an opportunity. Suffice to say, the NBA star has quite an emotional connection with his new team.
He went on to discuss his outlook on reuniting with coach Tom Thibodeau, who had coached him from 2016 to 2019. Reflecting on their history, Towns expressed a deeper appreciation for Thibodeau’s relentless drive to win. Playing for him, Towns shared, was motivating because Thibodeau is someone who puts everything into what he loves.
Going ahead will surely bring new things for the former Timberwolves player. However, his history dates back nine years with the team. Along with him, people around him, such as his girlfriend Jordyn Woods also were a part of the journey. Woods also reacted on the trade on her X handle, honoring Town’s loyalty. He also shared a heartfelt message on his X handle, dedicating a farewell to his Timberwolves family.
Karl-Anthony Towns opened youth basketball facility in honor of late mother
Karl Anthony Towns, a New Jersey Native, spent his nine years with the Timberwolves before being traded to the Knicks. While the news is still settling in with the fans and the league, a week prior, Towns announced his new project close to his heart. The NBA player is opening a youth basketball facility in the honor of his late mother.
KAT’s mom, Jacqueline Cruz, tragically passed away during COVID-19. Being close to his mother, it was a tough time for the player. Having represented his mother’s native country throughout his career, Towns makes sure to stay connected to the roots.
The basketball facility will be seen in the Dominican Republic. The training grounds will offer athletic coaching, physical therapy, classroom spaces, meeting places, and more. Having worked on this for years, the NBA player wanted to give it back to the place that held much significance to him and his mother.
Stay Updated!
Lakshita Kalra
(320 Articles Published)