I was in Durham, NC, doing an improvised trip as our mountain VRBO house was under the water in the western part of North Carolina. Obviously, the people in that area have much more pressing issues than a really random, unexpected, and first trade that Woj didn’t get to break before it happened. Let’s take a look at it and see what’s what.
Oh, yeah. The trade was that the Knicks get Karl Anthony-Towns to man their vacant center position. The Wolves then receive Julius Randle and Donte DiVencenzo. Fare thee well, Villanova reincarnated
Knicks
The Knicks did not have a center that was ready to play this season. They now do. Towns is reunited with Ol’ Thibs! This is a great move for Towns though. Last year, he averaged 21 points and 8 boards. I would look for that to go up. He’s going to play 50 minutes in a 48 minute game (I don’t know how, but that’s how it rolls) and by volume alone should raise these numbers. It’s a huge move for Towns.
I’ve said here that the second round is bereft of talent worthy of second rounds in the past. Towns makes this a bit better. Keeping in mind this is your center, he has a unique skillset. In the past five seasons, Towns has hit over two 3 pointers per game. That’s good if you’re a guard. He’s not, though, so quite unique. He’ll also hit around 50% of his shots, elite 87% on free throws last season, and some boards. You’ll need to compensate for the rebounds as Towns isn’t usually about that life. Maybe Thibs can get him to 1 steal and block per game, but don’t hold your breath.
I’m still taking Chet Holmgren as my preferred pick in the second. I don’t trust the health; he missed 20 games last season and over 50 the season before. Increased minutes won’t help that. Turnovers are also a concern, but perhaps mitigated by playing with a ball dominant point guard in Jalen Brunson. If he can reduce his to around two per game instead of three, this will help you as a fantasy owner and keep Thibs from losing his voice and his small amount of remaining hair.
In summary, Towns is a winner here, no doubt about it. His playing time is secure, he’s in a friendly uptempo system, and he has a coach that he respects and will bring out the best effort. Confident buy.
Wolves
Julius Randle is going to have a really interesting adjustment here. I’m unsure about it, unsure enough that I probably won’t land him anywhere. In theory, he’s a great fit along Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Mike Conley. In practice, though, he’s going to have to adjust his game. No longer is he the main character of the offense, and if he tries to be then there’s a certain star SG who’s going to be really really mean to him, and I don’t think Randle likes that. There’s also the factor of his possible free agency coming after this season.
I’m not taking him as one of my top four guys. This could be wrong, but I’m not a fan of taking a guy who could possibly tank your season in the top four rounds. Naz Reid is also there, and might be a better player anyway. Significant downgrade due to uncertainty.
Donte DiVencenzo I would think slots right into a bunch of minutes as the backup SG/SF. I’m looking for 28 minutes here, and maybe more if they need more shooting. Jaden McDaniels is there, and really good, but could slide to the 4 in some small ball lineups. Donte really fits their need for a sniper, guys. I see no reason to downgrade him. He’s a lock to continue to average 3.5 treys per game, and just be really solid. Great, great utility player.
Just a quick writeup, folks. Trying to be timely and stuff. Peace.
