Before the New York Knicks faced the Houston Rockets on February 21, NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley voiced strong criticism of Karl-Anthony Towns’ performance during the 2025-26 season. Both emphasized that Towns’ tendency to rely heavily on perimeter shooting rather than exploiting his size advantage inside is undermining his effectiveness.
At age 30, Towns has been scrutinized for his decision-making and shot selection, particularly given the Knicks’ ongoing adjustments to Mike Brown’s defensive system after Tom Thibodeau’s exit. This combination of internal changes and Towns’ playing style has made his role a major point of focus this season.
Barkley Urges Towns to Capitalize on Physical Matchups
Charles Barkley shared his frustration, stating that Towns’ issues are not about his abilities but rather his approach on the court. Barkley pointed out that Towns is a talented shooter for a player of his size but fails to adapt based on the defender he faces.
Well, the thing that frustrates me about him… he don’t know how to play basketball,
Barkley said.
Barkley elaborated that Towns should use his size more effectively by attacking smaller defenders in the post instead of defaulting to three-point attempts. According to Barkley, exploiting size mismatches is crucial in today’s NBA.
He’s a terrific seven-foot shooter. But the matchup dictates whether you shoot threes or you go post up,
Barkley said.
When he got a little guy on him, there’s no need to shoot threes….the way the NBA is played, and I’m trying to explain because he’s a heck of a player. But when they put a little guy on you, go in the post,
Barkley added.
Shaquille O’Neal Labels Towns’ Play as ‘Soft’ Amidst Declining Efficiency
Shaquille O’Neal was more blunt in his critique, calling Towns’ current style “soft” and implying that he is not playing with the necessary physicality expected from a dominant big man. O’Neal suggested that if he were on Towns’ team, he would confront him directly about his efforts.
I would say this to his face if I was his teammate: He’s playing soft. Playing really soft,
O’Neal said.
This criticism coincides with Towns’ statistical decline this season. He is averaging 19.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game but is shooting only 47.1% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range—his career-low in field goal percentage and near-low in three-point accuracy. Despite reduced efficiency, Towns continues to attempt 4.4 three-pointers per game, indicating his preference for perimeter scoring rather than physical play inside.
Towns Responds with Strong Performance Against Rockets
Later on the same night, Towns produced a notable game in the Knicks’ 108-106 victory over Houston, scoring 25 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and assisting once. He shot an efficient 10-of-15 from the field and was perfect from three-point range, making all three attempts.
Following this performance, O’Neal acknowledged that Towns adjusted his game, praising the shift in his approach during a live call on Inside the NBA.
At the beginning of the game, I said you were playing soft because I’ve seen you at times when you play great,
O’Neal remarked.
You responded very, very well. You played well. You played in the paint. That’s how you should play.
Knicks Navigating New System, Towns’ Role Continues to Evolve
The New York Knicks have experienced a mixed run recently, going 3-3 in their last six games while adapting to Mike Brown’s defense-first approach. This transition has influenced how Towns is utilized offensively, with the team maintaining a strong standing in the Eastern Conference at third place with a 36-21 record.
The ongoing debate over Towns’ playing style highlights broader questions about how big men should balance shooting with interior presence in the modern NBA, especially under new coaching strategies that prioritize defense.
"I ain't letting no little dude guard me." 😅
Charles Barkley discusses what he thinks needs to shift in KAT’s game before Rockets–Knicks ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/IVseE2bimj
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 22, 2026
Shaq on KAT: "I would say this to his face if I was his teammate: He's playing soft. Playing really soft" https://t.co/vAhD3L7EsM pic.twitter.com/KLVoiXkm0Y
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 22, 2026
Shaq praises KAT after the game: https://t.co/RF8nxUUa7P pic.twitter.com/KoPkpDnaPH
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 22, 2026
