Knicks keeping expectations in check even after Karl-Anthony Towns blockbuster trade

Karl-Anthony Towns arrived Monday at the practice facility wearing a Knicks hat, though still just as an unofficial member of James Dolan’s franchise because of pesky trade details being finalized. In short order, he’ll be a participating Knick in training camp at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.But as a result of the unfinished bureaucracy — which is mostly about salary matching — Tom Thibodeau claimed he was unable to comment on Towns.

Jalen Brunson then played dumb when asked if he talked to Towns at the facility, responding, “Who is Karl?” Josh Hart is never muzzled, however.And he detailed the main reason NBA folks are excited about the Knicks’ potential with Towns at center. “KAT’s an amazing player, someone who will be really good in terms of spacing, knocking down shots, blocking shots, creating attention, creating plays for his teammates,” Hart said, adding later, “The court’s going to be wide open.

The rim’s going to be there.… It definitely will open up the floor.” Indeed, Towns is an elite 3-point shooter — perhaps the best ever for a 7-footer — and will open the paint for the Knicks, especially Brunson, to drive and operate.

Towns is also an All-Star talent plugging a positional hole at center because of Mitchell Robinson’s indefinite injury absence (Thibodeau said Monday there’s no timeline for Robinson’s extended recovery from ankle surgery.While a league source targeted a December/January return, the coach wouldn’t say whether he expects Robinson back this season). “[Towns] really stretches the floor and you forget until you really stand next to him just how tall he is because he’s always played power forward,” new Knick Mikal Bridges said.

“Just tall as hell. “Obviously a great player.I think we were in the same high school class.

I’ve known him for a while.” The Towns trade represents an all-in push from the front office that raises the ceiling of the upcoming season.ESPN BET, for ...