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Shaquille O'Neal continues to show his concerns about Karl-Anthony Towns' performances
TL;DR
Shaquille O'Neal has expressed ongoing concerns about Karl-Anthony Towns' performance during the 2025-26 season with the New York Knicks. Towns has faced criticism for his new role under coach Mike Brown, which has impacted his play.
Shaquille O'Neal continues to show his concerns about Karl-Anthony Towns' performances originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Karl-Anthony Towns has not been as good in the 2025-26 season as he was during his first campaign with the New York Knicks. He has played a new role under Mike Brown, which has led to him getting criticized even more.
One of his primary critics is three-time Finals MVP Shaquille O'Neal. The iconic center has always been hard on his fellow big men, but it seems he is intent on talking about Towns and his supposed problems.
Shaquille O'Neal voices out his concerns about Karl-Anthony Towns
Throughout his career, Towns has been a fantastic big man. He is excellent on offense, especially with his ability to stretch beyond the three-point line. Towns is also a superb post-up player, but that does not get highlighted as much.
O'Neal is one of the best centers of all-time, and he is mostly known for his dominance in the post. Unfortunately, he expects other centers to play like him or at least dominate their matchups like him.
MORE:Karl-Anthony Towns knows the Hawks can be a problem for the Knicks
O'Neal believes that Towns has the talent to beat anyone in his path. However, it seems he dislikes how Towns plays basketball and is not a fan of the younger center's inconsistencies.
You know what scares me about the Knicks? I don’t know which KAT Imma get. Am I going to get a tiger or am I going to get a cat," O'Neal said on his The Big Podcast.
"Seriously, sometimes he plays phenomenal, and other times he’s nowhere to be found. If he plays like I know he can play, imma go with the Knicks, but he hasn’t shown me that in the last couple of years."
O'Neal brings up valid points with KAT's passiveness and inconsistency. Everyone knows that the Knicks are much better with a confident Towns.
If the Knicks succeed, most people would agree that Towns helping Jalen Brunson is the most likely scenario for that to happen. It will be challenging, but the Knicks have all the talent in the world to surprise people in the Playoffs.
More NBA news:
- Mike Brown is ready to rest his starters in the New York Knicks' last game of the season
- The concerning news about OG Anunoby's latest injury
- Josh Hart's clutch three-point shooting continues to get praise
- Mike Brown continues to prove he is the right choice over Tom Thibodeau
- LeBron James is being convinced to play for and retire with the New York Knicks
- Karl-Anthony Towns admits the Knicks are not at their best ahead of the Playoffs
Q&A
What specific concerns does Shaquille O'Neal have about Karl-Anthony Towns' performance?
Shaquille O'Neal is critical of Karl-Anthony Towns' performance this season, particularly regarding his adaptation to a new role under coach Mike Brown.
How has Karl-Anthony Towns' role changed this season with the New York Knicks?
Karl-Anthony Towns has taken on a new role under coach Mike Brown, which has led to a decline in his performance compared to his previous season.
What impact has Shaquille O'Neal's criticism had on Karl-Anthony Towns' reputation?
Shaquille O'Neal's criticism adds to the scrutiny surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns, potentially affecting his reputation as a top big man in the league.
