Knicks test Towns-Robinson frontcourt as preseason opens
knicks-test-towns-robinson-frontcourt-preseason
New Knicks head coach Mike Brown has started Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson together in each of the club’s first three preseason contests, an alignment he says gives New York unusual size and flexibility. Brown noted that deploying Towns at power forward alongside Robinson, with OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges on the wings, creates “a big, long team” that should excel on the offensive glass, one of his stated priorities.
The double-big look was rarely available last season under former coach Tom Thibodeau because Robinson appeared in only 17 regular-season games while recovering from ankle surgery. According to The New York Post, the Knicks outscored opponents by 4.4 points per 100 possessions when the two shared the floor in the playoffs.
Brown expects Robinson, who spent the summer in an intensive conditioning program, to thrive in the up-tempo system. “First of all, he’s a great runner,” Brown said, calling the 7-footer “the best vertical threat I’ve been around.”
Hart progressing after back spasms
Josh Hart has not practiced since experiencing back spasms in the preseason opener but has advanced to on-court work. Brown believes the veteran wing will assimilate quickly once cleared, although he acknowledged Hart is “a little behind” because of the new schemes being installed.
Antetokounmpo chatter seen as organizational milestone
Newsday’s Steve Popper reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo would consider New York if he ever leaves Milwaukee, viewing the interest as evidence of the franchise’s improved reputation under team president Leon Rose. Separately, The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy outlined possible trade packages the Knicks could assemble for the two-time MVP.
Clarkson reflects on career highlights
Free-agent pickup Jordan Clarkson spoke with The Athletic’s James L. Edwards about memorable moments from his lengthy NBA tenure, adding another veteran voice to Brown’s first Knicks roster.
Source: Hoops Rumors
