The New York Knicks’ new coaching hire of Mike Brown has divided the NBA community.
After losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Conference Finals, the New York Knicks decided to fire their head coach Tom Thibodeau.
The team tried to recruit Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka to take over the role, but were denied permission to interview them by their teams.
This led to the franchise deciding to bring in two-time coach of the year Mike Brown for an interview.
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
After a final round with owner James Dolan, Brown was given the job and since then many have expressed their views on the appointment.
While many including Paul Pierce supported the hire, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins had a unique opinion on Brown being given the role.
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesPerkins believes Brown hire will help Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns defensively
There were a lot of question marks about the Knicks going into the playoffs as their record against the better teams in the Eastern Conference was not so good.
However, they leveled up in the postseason and played well to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks lost there to the Pacers and some of their weaknesses were exposed there.
One of them was Karl-Anthony Towns‘ defensive ability, which the Pacers used to their benefit.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Perkins shared that the hiring of Brown as the coach would not only help KAT, but also star guard Jalen Brunson defensively.
Speaking on the Road Trippin podcast, he said: “I believe Mike Brown will come in and capture the ears of that locker room, I believe that Mike Brown will hold guys accountable. I believe that Mike Brown will get the best out of Karl-Anthony Towns defensively.
“I believe that Mike Brown will get the best out of Jalen Brunson defensively because that’s what needs to happen.
“You gotta hold those guys accountable. If you’re Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns embrace the noise. Whether it’s coming from me or whoever, hear the noise and respond to the noise, because y’all were defensive liability last year.”
Perkins thinks KAT needs to lose 15 pounds
Towns is one of the best shooting bigs in the NBA, but something that he lacks is the defensive IQ, which often proves to be a big problem for the Knicks.
Charles Barkley called him out for being in foul trouble constantly, but this has been a trend that has followed the player throughout his career.
He has all the attributes of a center, but lacks quickness to defend in the paint.
Perkins, who was one of the best rim protectors during his time in the league, suggested that Towns cut 15 pounds and work on himself to improve defensively.
“Karl-Anthony Towns, if I was you, I go lose about 15 pounds. Boy 15 pounds, you get 15 pounds off of you bro and you stay consistent, it’s going to be smoke, you’re going to be ready!” he added.