Tracy McGrady wants more from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Karl-Anthony Towns has made an undeniable impact on the New York Knicks, providing size, rebounding, defense and veteran presence to a Knicks team that have prided themselves on fast-paced and high flying offense.
But, a certain NBA great believes that Towns can do much more than he already is and should be expected to do more.
“KAT is the one that everyone has eyes on, he’s the big fish. Jalen Brunson is doing his thing, but when you look at KAT, they want more. And for me, it’s just talking about helping him get through that, and what he can do. Just giving him advice, nothing more, nothing less,” Tracy McGrady said (via ClutchPoints).
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Tyler Burton (5) defends during the second quarter at FedExForum. Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesHigh Expectations
Towns is on a Hall of Fame trajectory just do to his sheer production, but it is true that his numbers have slipped as of late.
In Towns' second year as a Knicks he's averaging 20.1 points per game, still a solid number that's good to make him the second highest scorer on the Knicks behind Jalen Brunson, but it's also the second-lowest mark of his career, better than only his rookie season average.
New York Knicks center/forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) attempts to score a basket as Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and center Alperen Sengun (28) defend during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesHis production is still good enough to make him the Knicks' second-best option and his rebounding averages and defensive contributions make him a standout member of the team, but his expectations sit higher than most and with the way that he's producing now, it just simply isn't up to his previous standards.
The Knicks have surged to be one of the best teams in the admittedly open Eastern Conference, but to do more than just be contenders, New York needs all of it's players performing at the top of their capabilities.
Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) handles the ball defended by New York Knicks center/forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesWhat KAT Can Do To Be More
Towns simply hasn't done that this season. Relative to his expectations, Towns is underperforming, even compared to his numbers last season when he initially joined the Knicks.
As much of an impact player that he already is, Towns has the capacity to do more. His defensive metrics and his rebounding numbers have stayed in the upper echelon of the NBA, but he;'s capable of being much more of a scorer than he's demonstrated lately.
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) is fouled by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesThe talent that Towns possesses is what elevates his expectations, especially among NBA greats like McGrady, who understand what he can be capable of.
The Knicks will need everything that Towns can give and then some in order to make a deep run into the playoffs and even claim the NBA crown.
There are certainly lofty expectations placed on Towns, but he's shown that he can rise to them.