After the New York Knicks were knocked out of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. While the Knicks’ elimination ended their title hopes, it also cast a harsh spotlight on Karl-Anthony Towns, particularly for his lackluster defensive play during the series.
Among the most vocal critics was New York radio host Gregg “Gio” Giannotti. Still, the host stood firm behind his words and defended his take in a string of social media posts. In one response to backlash, he clarified that his remarks were strictly about basketball and not meant as a personal attack.
“What I said about Towns isn’t a personal shot. Go back and listen. It’s all about basketball. A personal shot is me saying something like, “Gary, you’re an idiot for not understanding what I was saying, and everyone who talks to me about you thinks you’re a complete asshole,’” Giannotti wrote.
What I said about towns isn’t a personal shot. Go back and listen. It’s all about basketball. A personal shot is me saying something like: “Gary, you’re an idiot for not understanding what I was saying and everyone who talks to me about you thinks you’re a complete asshole.”
— Gregg Giannotti (@GioWFAN) June 3, 2025
Giannotti continued to explain his stance in another post, expressing surprise that some listeners interpreted his comments as a character attack.
“I was really surprised that so many people digested this in the way that they did yesterday, where they thought that I was calling him a loser as a person. If you listen to exactly what I said, I’m talking strictly basketball. I say losing player, yes. I don’t say anything about his family, anything about the man that he is, anything about his personal life at all,” he said.
What Did New York Radio Host Say About Karl-Anthony Towns?
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During a segment on his show, Giannotti offered a scathing review of Towns’ performance and overall reputation as a player. The radio host placed much of the blame for the Knicks’ playoff exit squarely on the star forward’s shoulders.
“[Towns is] a loser. That is their biggest problem. The guy is a loser, he’s a losing player, he complains; he is soft. He shows you flashes where he’s the best player on the court not enough. He doesn’t play enough defense; he bitches and moans,” Giannotti said.
.@GioWFAN went off on "loser" Karl-Anthony Towns 👀 pic.twitter.com/5cvIgYeTBD
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) June 2, 2025
KAT joined the Knicks in a high-profile move. He was expected to elevate the team. His offensive performance in the playoffs was worthy enough. But his underwhelming defense showing in critical playoff moments has led to increasing skepticism about his role and future with the franchise.
