CHARLESTON, S.C. — Karl-Anthony Towns' debut will likely be Sunday.
Tom Thibodeau said in the preseason opener against Charlotte that he intends to play together as starters, including rookie Towns, giving Knicks fans one of the league's top point guard-center tandems with Jalen Brunson. It provided an opportunity to get a first glimpse of the
“We're ready to see where we're at,” Brunson said. “Every day is a test and we can see where we are and move forward from there.”
Thibodeau cautioned that Sunday's rotation was not “finally determined” as he needed to consult with medical staff first.
However, Thibodeau said Towns is a full participant in training camp despite his late arrival and is eager to suit up in Charlotte.
“I think he wants to play and he's worked hard so far, so we'll see where he goes.” [Saturday’s practice]” said the coach.
Asked if Towns, who underwent knee surgery in March, was injured enough to require consultation with medical staff, Thibodeau said he talks to all players about their health during training camp. He said that it has become the standard.
He added that the rotation will remain the same as in the regular season until the final preseason game against the Wizards on Oct. 18.
“We’re going to start incorporating games,” Thibodeau said. “Then, game by game, we strengthen the build-up until the last game, which requires rhythm and rotation. “We probably won’t be able to achieve exactly my minutes and rotation, but by the last game, It will come close.”
Towns missed three training camps while waiting for a trade with the Timberwolves to be finalized, but Duane Washington Jr., one of the key pieces in the salary match, also had to negotiate a buyout with a European team. The trade was put on hold.
Towns said Saturday that he didn't mind missing practice because of the conditioning built into his body.
“I train very hard in the offseason, so I'm ready for whatever happens this season,” he said. “I missed a few days of training camp. The work I put in in the offseason paid off, especially early on.”
Thibodeau hinted that returning forwards Josh Hart and OG Anunoby would be potential starters. Rookie Mikal Bridges will occupy the other spot.
“This is new for KAT, but it's new for a lot of other players as well,” Brunson said. “We have to get everyone up to speed. It's a new team, it's a different part, so we have to stay focused.”
Brunson vs. Towns' pick-and-roll potential is the most appealing aspect of the new Knicks.
With Philadelphia's Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and Denver's Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Knicks are competing for the top pairing at the pairing position.
It is supposed to start Sunday, but Brunson warned of a learning curve.
“I feel like it’s going to be a learning process,” Brunson said. “Every day is going to be a challenge for us to get better. We're not going to be perfect from day one, but as long as we have the right mindset, we're going to keep improving.”
