Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t waiting until retirement to work on his post-NBA legacy. The Knicks big man, alongside Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, just announced a $3 million, 2,500-seat arena in Tamboril, Santiago (KAT’s father’s hometown), built at the Go Ministries Sports Complex. For Towns, the project is more than a gym; it’s a tribute to his family’s roots and a promise to the next generation.
Calling it the proudest moment of his life, Towns said he was overwhelmed by the chance to
give back. Abinader praised the arena as “a beautiful design for the youth of Tamboril,” noting its role in tournaments and youth development. For Towns, it is a full-circle moment that ties together his Jersey upbringing, his Dominican heritage, and his present as a star in New York.
On the court, Towns has delivered exactly what the Knicks hoped for when they traded for him. In his first season he averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds, and drilled 42% from deep. In a roster constructed with championship aspirations, Towns’ production makes him central to everything New York does. Off the court, however, he is putting his influence into action.
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Towns spoke directly about the difference between New York and Minnesota. “To be part of the success of both organizations that haven’t seen that type of success in so long is nothing short of a blessing,” he said. Walking into Madison Square Garden, he added, let him feel the weight of history. Growing up in New Jersey, he idolized Knicks legends, and joining their story now feels “special.”
The move to New York also hit close to home. “One of the biggest things for me was being able to have my grandmother actually see me play basketball,” Towns said to Bloomberg. She rarely traveled to Minnesota, but with MSG just a train ride away, she joined him for last season’s playoff run. Towns called that experience “unforgettable.”
KAT is unfazed by the spotlight at basketball’s Mecca. “The biggest critic of me is me, not Stephen A. or anyone on a media network,” Towns said. He explained that he focuses on becoming the best version of himself every day.
Even as he builds for the future, Towns stays grounded, saying, “Everyone asks me for the best advice. It’s always: stay in the present. Continue to take care of the present. The future will take care of itself.” At the same time, he has stepped into leadership roles as NBPA vice president and a member of the NBA’s Social Justice Coalition. “My job is not just to take care of LeBron James and Steph Curry,” he said. “It’s to take care of the two-way guys, the mid-level guys, retired players and their families. To inspire change and actually make change—it’s humbling.”
For now, Towns says his focus is squarely on the Knicks’ title chase, but the blueprint for what comes next is already clear. He has the numbers to back up his game, the roots to inspire his off-court projects, and the leadership to shape the next generation of Domincan players. “Right now I’m enjoying being a Knicks player. Very much.”
Here’s the Bloomberg interview. Go Knicks.
