Towns Defends Rebounding's Value in Modern NBA

Karl-Anthony Towns argues rebounding remains essential as three-point shooting dominates the league.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Basketball

Towns Defends Rebounding's Value in Modern NBA

Karl-Anthony Towns defended the value of rebounding after the New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA championship on Saturday. Towns is averaging 13.6 rebounds and 20.9 points per game this season, ranking second in the league in rebounds.

Why it matters

Towns' comments reflect a debate over the role of big men as teams prioritize three-point shooting. He argued that rebounding remains important because it creates extra possessions and gives teammates confidence to shoot.

Towns is averaging 13.6 rebounds and 20.9 points per game this season, second in the league in rebounds behind Domantas Sabonis, who averages 14.6 per game.

The players

Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns is a New York Knicks center and two-time NBA All-Star known for his scoring and rebounding.

Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis is a Sacramento Kings center and frequent NBA All-Star known for his high rebounding and passing production.

The details

Towns made the comments after the Knicks' win on Saturday, saying rebounding establishes teammates' confidence to shoot and creates more possessions and scoring opportunities. He said rebounding is more important now because of the abundance of three-pointers across the league.

2026: The Knicks won the NBA championship.
This season: Towns is averaging 13.6 rebounds per game.
Saturday: The Knicks won, and Towns defended rebounding.

Season Trajectory

Towns's defense of rebounding comes as the NBA's emphasis on three-point shooting has reshaped how big men are valued across the league. His argument frames rebounding as a counterweight to that shift, particularly for a Knicks team that just won the 2026 championship.

Towns's rebounding average of 13.6 per game matters for fantasy managers who value big men for boards as well as scoring. His comments suggest the Knicks' frontcourt production will remain central to their approach.

The takeaway

Rebounding still creates extra possessions and confidence for shooters, even in an era dominated by three-point attempts. Readers following the NBA should watch rebounding totals alongside scoring when evaluating big men.