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Ben Stiller fired off a blunt response on X after Karl-Anthony Towns was left off the All-NBA teams, turning a voters’ decision into a splashy talking point for fans and media alike. The debate now centers on whether Towns’ numbers and impact for the 2025-26 Knicks should have guaranteed him a spot among the league’s best.
Why the All-NBA omission sparked public outrage
When news broke that Karl-Anthony Towns did not receive All-NBA recognition, reaction was swift. Celebrities and basketball followers piled onto social platforms. Actor Ben Stiller’s brief, emphatic reply amplified the chatter.
Karl-Anthony Towns All-NBA snub draws fire from Ben Stiller: Knicks superfan calls it total BS
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- Stiller’s post called the decision “TOTAL BS,” echoing a strong, emotional fan response.
- Social commentators pointed to Towns’ statistical resume as the key reason the snub felt unfair.
- Critics argued the omission raises questions about how voters weigh analytics, team success, and role.
Regular-season evidence: statistical case for KAT
Towns produced numbers that made a clear statistical argument for All-NBA consideration. His season was defined by consistent inside scoring and rebounding dominance.
Key regular-season numbers
- 20.1 points per game — steady scoring at the center position.
- 11.9 rebounds per game — placing him among the league’s best rebounders.
- Three assists per game — showing playmaking ability from the post.
- Appeared in 75 of 82 regular-season contests — availability and durability.
- Led the NBA in double-doubles, a rare consistency marker for big men.
How KAT has performed in the 2026 playoffs
Playoff basketball has underscored Towns’ role as a two-way centerpiece. His output adjusted to a different pace but remained impactful.
Playoff snapshots and recent games
- Playoff averages: 16.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists per game.
- Minutes dipped compared with last postseason, but production stayed tangible.
- Notable recent outings: a near triple-double with 13 points, eight rebounds, seven assists.
- Another game posted 18 points and 13 rebounds, reinforcing his inside presence.
From top draft pick to New York centerpiece: Towns’ career arc
Karl-Anthony Towns’ path has been a steady climb since leaving Kentucky. His arrival in New York completed a long professional journey.
- Selected No. 1 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2015 NBA Draft.
- Earned Rookie of the Year honors after averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds.
- Three-time NBA All-Star while in Minnesota, establishing himself among elite centers.
- Traded to the Knicks in 2024 via a three-team deal that reshaped New York’s core.
- Helped the Knicks reach consecutive deep postseason runs, including Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
What the numbers and narrative mean for voting debates
The controversy around the All-NBA ballots highlights how voters balance individual stats, team results, and role nuance. Towns checks many traditional boxes, yet the award process remains subjective.
- Some voters prioritize scoring leaders or two-way impact over efficiency and double-doubles.
- Others weigh team records more heavily, which can disadvantage players on teams with uneven rotations.
- Towns’ case rests on elite rebounding and dependable two-way play, plus postseason contributions that keep the conversation alive.
