Karl-Anthony Towns makes Knicks preseason debut: What to know about New York's revamped roster

On Sunday, New York Knicks fans finally got a tantalizing preview of what their highly-anticipated starting lineup would look like when they took on Charlotte Hornets in their preseason-opening 111-109 victory – something many had been waiting months to see happen! Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges were acquired through trade during the offseason and joined All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson as well as versatile wings Josh Hart and OG Anunoby for one of the league’s strongest five-man units. Thibodeau displayed extreme restraint by benching his lineup shortly into the first half, but there were clear indicators of both its potential strength and weaknesses in New York’s new attack. As it’s still too soon for any conclusive insights from preseason, and as players continue to adjust and establish rapport between themselves and one another, not much can be extracted from Sunday’s limited minutes of action. Here’s a glimpse at a few things that stood out. KAT’s Shocking Range It would seem only fitting that Towns’ first shot as a Knick would be from long range (his claims to being one of the greatest big men ever are becoming stronger year by year), yet take note from where this 7-foot human shot the ball from!
At 15 seconds remaining on the shot clock, this shot from Towns is not an urgent attempt – rather, its casual ease demonstrates just how effective he will be as an anchor when trailing a play. Opposing centers could clog Brunson’s path up court by providing help – however with Towns as a threat from just inside halfcourt there will now be numerous pathways leading directly into Brunson’s basket with most of the paint now free for teammates’ quick transition into scoring situations.
Experience how having a center who shoots 40% from 3-point range completely transforms an offense – that’s freedom! Last season, Towns and Rudy Gobert combined for Minnesota Timberwolves double-big lineups which produced significant advantages – they enjoyed a positive net rating with an effective scoring average of 118 per 100 possessions! But Towns must love having more traditional lineups available with no one around him to defend, especially here with New York Hornets guards covering them completely when put the ball on the floor alone without help – something Minnesota couldn’t offer him last season; Towns proved effective even in isolation situations last season with his former teammates while having more room around him will allow him even greater opportunities than before
Bridges Has Done His Research Last season in Brooklyn, Bridges amassed his highest usage rate ever — 24% — which may represent what we can expect during his Knicks tenure of around 15% usage rate as a role player. On Sunday, he made an unassuming debut, taking only five shots over 12 minutes before scoring his inaugural basket via transition. Bridges settled into his familiar corner spot on the court and was surprised to find himself unimpeded on his path toward scoring due to Charlotte’s preseason neglectfulness and subsequent disregard. Brunson, Towns and Bridges each possess the skill set needed to become stars on any team; yet all three possess enough versatility that when necessary they can switch roles or accept lesser role duties when necessary. Bridges has the advantage of selecting his teammates more carefully with Knicks roster so his efficiency should increase accordingly.
“Thibodeau’s Starting Five for 2018-19 Season”- If this lineup does indeed represent Thibodeau’s starting lineup to open the season, we already have an idea how opposition teams may attempt to defend it. By surrounding Hart with four credible 3-point shooters on the court, his guard will become his greatest advocate as they dare him to open up and shoot more 3-pointers than in previous seasons (31% success rate). Though Hart displayed considerable confidence during playoff play-offs, only 31% of his attempts made their mark last season. On Sunday we got an example of this when Hornets guard Vasilije Micic abandoned Hart to double-team Brunson on a drive, giving Hart plenty of space for an above-the-break 3 that ultimately clanked off of the rim and off his foot. Hart has long proven himself a smart and versatile enough player to capitalize on any available space by cutting or screening; his shooting will remain his greatest weakness in an otherwise efficient offense.
Unfortunately, they often entail unexpected complications for all involved parties involved.