Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about NBA ratings dropping. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal shared many reasons for this, including the lack of dominant big men at center. Meanwhile, rapper Fat Joe called Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns the greatest offensive center ever, even better than Shaq.
The Knicks are confident in their playoff push this year, and Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) is a big reason why. With a 15-10 record, Towns has been earning plenty of praise, including from rapper Fat Joe.
On the show ‘7PM in Brooklyn’ with Carmelo Anthony, Fat Joe called KAT the greatest offensive big man ever. He said, “I don’t think I’ve seen a better offensive big man in my life than KAT… I’ve sat in the game and watch KAT do ten moves… That’s impossible to guard. He’s dumb. “
Fat Joe says Karl-Anthony Towns is the greatest offensive center ever, claiming he’s better in that aspect than Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, and Nikola Jokić 👀
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 12, 2024
(🎥 @7PMinBrooklyn )
pic.twitter.com/orzDg54qWV
Joe even compared Karl-Anthony Towns to legends, saying, “I’m talking about Olajuwon, Shaq is the most dominant big man, but he ain’t doing [that]. My take on it is he’s too hard to guard. …[Jokic] is just more accomplished. I’m a Joker fan, too.”
Could Karl-Anthony Towns be the big man Shaq demands?
Shaquille O’Neal is known for sharing bold opinions. Recently, on a podcast, he said there aren’t any true big centers in the NBA today. Shaq has been critical of Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT), so it’s not surprising he doesn’t see Towns that way.
But Towns, a 7-foot-tall center, is a strong offensive player. His trade to the Knicks caused a huge buzz online. Many believe he could fit Shaq’s idea of a great big center.
Karl Anthony Towns has been making a habit of not just settling and you saw him tonight early on by getting to the rim as defenders close and get to the line and then hit big shots in the 4th. Also, active on glass, a willing and good passer,defended,competed and credit his motor
— Ross Kreines (@rosskre) December 10, 2024
In the 2024-25 season, Towns is averaging 25.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His shooting stats—53.1% from the field and 44.7% from three—show he’s a versatile and skilled scorer.
