New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Knicks teammate has five suggestions for KAT's nickname

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 10/15/24

Some of the greatest Knicks in history were coined with nicknames (or Knick-names) that stood the test of time.

The list includes Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Willis "The Captain" Reed, Anthony "Mase" Mason and Patrick "Hoya Destroya" Ewing. Even Jeremy Lin's "Linsanisty" and Xavier McDaniel's "X-Man" monikers became synonymous with those players during their times in the Big Apple.

Now, it's time for Karl-Anthony Towns, the newest Knick, to be officially anointed with a nickname. On Monday, Knicks guard Josh Hart took to X to suggest five nicknames for his newest teammate.

The Big Bodega, The Big Kat, Kit Kat, The Big Meow, Big Purr https://t.co/2MGGW3YFaZ
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) October 14, 2024

The feline-themed monikers obviously come from Towns' shortened name, KAT. While Towns himself did not reply to Hart's suggestions, it's only a matter of time before the New York media grills him about his preference.

Towns has fit in seamlessly with his new Knicks teammates thus far. The 7-footer has averaged 17 points and 10.6 rebounds from just 20.6 minutes across three preseason games. Most notably, he has brought a new feel to the New York offense with his long-range shooting, giving Jalen Brunson an adept pick-and-pop partner. Furthermore, Brunson now has the liberty to operate with a lot of space, with Towns, Hart, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby roaming the perimeter and allowing him to penetrate defenses with his crafty ball handling.

Many believe the Towns-Brunson tandem could help New York's offense ascend to a new level in the 2024-25 season, a year after it finished 30th in PACE and seventh in offensive rating.

The Knicks kick off their campaign against the defending champion Celtics Oct. 22 at TD Garden.

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