NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns, often referred to as KAT, sat down for an in-depth interview with Shannon Sharpe on ‘Club Shay Shay’, where he opened up about his offseason activities and confidently claimed the title of the greatest shooting big man in NBA history—surpassing legends like Dirk Nowitzki. KAT explained why he didn’t fully showcase his shooting prowess during his college days at Kentucky under Coach John Calipari and compared the evolution of his game to that of fellow Wildcat Anthony Davis after both transitioned to the NBA. He also touched on balancing team play at Kentucky with his personal NBA ambitions.
KAT reminisced about Kentucky’s near-perfect 38-1 season and reflected on the disappointment of their only loss. He also analyzed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ performance in their recent playoff run, discussing their loss to the Dallas Mavericks and how the team found its identity through veteran leadership and mutual accountability. Sharpe asked about KAT’s struggles during the series, particularly his reluctance to alter his scoring approach.
Addressing recent criticisms, KAT responded to comments from Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Draymond Green, who questioned his work ethic. He clarified misconceptions and spoke about his enduring friendship with Kyrie Irving, which dates back to their time together in New Jersey. KAT also praised the Boston Celtics’ dominance last season and recognized their championship journey as well-deserved.
KAT gave high praise to Timberwolves teammate Anthony Edwards, highlighting their strong connection on the court. He elaborated on why Edwards values his advice and addressed the topic of why many NBA stars, including Edwards, have chosen not to participate in the Dunk Contest. Additionally, he opened up about the much-publicized tension with former teammate Jimmy Butler, describing how the conflict helped him grow as a player and leader.
KAT candidly discussed his intense rivalry with Joel Embiid, recalling their on-court altercation and how it felt to take on Embiid, Ben Simmons, and the Philadelphia crowd. He also shared his mindset when facing elite NBA talent like Nikola Jokic and reflected on his friendly competition with Anthony Davis, noting the similarities in their career trajectories.
Towns also ventured into his financial approach, citing business icons like Magic Johnson, 50 Cent, Alex Rodriguez, and Floyd Mayweather as sources of inspiration. When asked whether he supported the Knicks or the Nets growing up, KAT revealed that while he had a soft spot for both teams, he leaned toward the Knicks. He also shared stories about his childhood, including playing soccer to improve his coordination as a tall kid.
The conversation concluded with KAT reflecting on his decision to attend Kentucky over schools like Rutgers and NC State, sharing his thoughts on the all-time best teams from Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina. He even weighed in on the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake debate and shared his all-time Kentucky starting five. Finally, KAT spoke about his excitement for the upcoming NBA season and outlined his goals for the future.
