Knicks Banner Ceremony

The New York Knicks raised their 2025-26 championship banner at Madison Square Garden.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Dad

Karl-Anthony Towns and his father Karl Towns Sr. shared the stage during the banner ceremony.

Bittersweet Milestone

Towns celebrated the banner with his father six years after his mother died from COVID-19.

Emotional Display

Towns wiped tears while walking to the tunnel before the Knicks lost to the 76ers.

Personal Significance

Towns said he wanted more rings than his father, a high school coach.

“I mean it’s special to be able to… you know my whole career I’ve always told my dad, I’m fighting for rings, I going to have more rings than my dad, he’s a high school coach, so I remember always walking by in the house and see my dad’s ring case and just seeing all his rings and saying one day I’m going to have more rings than you”

Mental Health Journey

Towns spoke about his mental health after his mother's death six years ago.

“Just to be heard, to be able to talk to someone you can trust, be able to really unload all that pain onto it and allow them to understand your feelings and articulate your feelings the right way, it makes life much lighter”

Contract Negotiations

Towns confirmed he will stay in New York despite contract negotiations being paused.

“I want us all to stay together. That’s always been my main priority. Nowhere in my mind was a max contract was even thought about”