CHARLESTON, S.C. — Soft.
The label had been following Karl-Anthony Towns for years, but was killed by someone who worked closely with the Knicks center for years.
“A finesse player? Yes. A soft player? No,” an NBA source told the Post. “I think that's all that happened to Jimmy Butler. In today's world, someone can write a script about you and it will never change.”
Certainly, there are important differences.
Perhaps because of his affable personality and perimeter-based game, Towns hasn't shaken the reputation formed by Butler's taunts from six years ago. At the time, the fierce forward was angry about his contract situation and targeted Timberwolves teammate Towns. He had just signed a supermax extension.
The fact that Butler left the Timberwolves and went on to reach the Conference Finals three times with the Heat served as an indictment against Towns, vindicating, if misguided, sweet talk.
But there's a difference between being soft and a 7-foot tall player who works hard but fouls too much and isn't a good defender.
The latter is Towns. And it's up to Tom Thibodeau to make it work.
“You have to understand this: You don't trade an offensive player to make him the best defensive player,” the source said. “This kid's been in the league for eight years and he's who he's supposed to be. The best way he can help you is by letting him score. He's 20 and 10 every night and you can go to him and give him 30 point outbursts on a regular basis. There's no point in bringing him there and trying to turn him into Clint Capela or Rudy Gobert or Mitchell Robinson. I mean, he's more like Joel Embiid without the power.”
Thibodeau should have a good understanding of Towns' strengths, having coached centers for two and a half years in Minnesota.
In their best season in 2017-18, the Timberwolves ranked fourth in the NBA in offensive rating and 25th in defensive rating. This was the opposite of what was expected of Thibodeau's team, especially at the time.
In New York, Towns, who missed the first day of training camp on Tuesday because a trade had yet to be finalized, joins a roster that features strong defensive wings Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, although they lack rim protection.
There were question marks over that aspect, and those concerns were exacerbated by the acquisition of Towns.
But offensively, the ceiling with Towns is definitely high, highlighted by Brunson vs. Towns' pick-and-roll fest potential.
Towns appears to be a perfect fit offensively for the star point guard, having dealt well with a demotion after going No. 2 at Minnesota with the promotion of Anthony Edwards.
“It could be very good,” Brunson said of the Knicks' offense on Tuesday.
“To me, this should be a very dynamic duo because Jalen knows how to find where players work most efficiently,” said the NBA talent evaluator. “And Carl gives us pick-and-roll versatility, where we can use the other team’s center.
“You'll be impressed with KAT's scoring versatility. He can score at the rim, in the middle of the lane, mid-range, and he can knock you out with his 3-point shot.”
Notably, the Timberwolves didn't give up on Towns, but rather succumbed to the luxury tax.
Given the dire situation, the organization, which is in the midst of a dispute over ownership change, felt compelled to cut salaries.
It was a natural move since Towns has $220 million left over four years.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have been active in acquiring centers this offseason, with sources reporting that they held talks with multiple teams before agreeing to trade Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota. .
The deal was finalized after long negotiations, but remained unofficial as of Tuesday evening — although it was scheduled to be completed — as small portions of the paycheck were being moved.
“He's going to be a great player when he gets here and we'll go from there,” Brunson said.
Where exactly they go depends on the play of the finesse center, which is different from the soft.
