Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns Already Impressed With Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks are getting better ahead of the start of the regular season.

Jeremy Brener | 4 Hours Ago

Oct 9, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

In order for the New York Knicks to achieve success, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have to be on the same page.

As the two best players on the team, they will ultimately determine how far the Knicks are able to go in their first season together.

Building chemistry in such a short amount of time that can withstand the regular season, won't be easy, but Towns says that he and Brunson are making progress.

“Me and JB last game, we did a great job, especially in the third quarter, utilizing the pick-and-pop and pick-and-roll. And that was just all feel, both of us knowing each other, growing with each other, building chemistry," Towns said.

Towns had admired Brunson while with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he's looking forward to seeing what the two can do together as Knicks teammates.

“I’ve always watched him from afar. I’ve been a fan of his game. I think that he’s one of the most talented players in this league," Towns said. “Nothing has really surprised me because my respect for him has already been tremendously high. Honored to be able to play with him.”

A big reason behind the Knicks' success last season was Brunson's pick-and-roll combination with Isaiah Hartenstein, who was just a mere role player filling in for Mitchell Robinson at the center position. Hartenstein was deservedly paid a massive raise in free agency, but now he's been replaced by a four-time All-Star in Towns. That alone should raise the Knicks ceiling as they go into the season.

The Knicks will have a few more chances in the preseason for Brunson and Towns to build their chemistry, including tomorrow's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden, which will mark the first matchup between the two teams since the trade.

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Published 4 Hours Ago

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.