NEW ORLEANS — Karl-Anthony Towns would prefer international status in the new All-Star format — assuming he’s invited to LA.

“One, I hope I make it,” Towns said. “And two, I hope I’m on the World Team.”

Adam Silver’s latest tweak to the All-Star format is to divide the 24 All-Stars into three teams — two featuring players from the U.S. and the other with international players — for a round-robin tournament with shortened games.

Towns is in a gray area because he was born and raised in the United States but has represented the Dominican Republic in the Olympics and other competitions. Towns’ mother is from the D.R.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns #32 is called for an offensive foul as he drives into Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen #31 during the first quarter.

According to an announcement last month from the NBA, “If the All-Star voting does not result in the selection of 16 U.S. players and eight international players (which can include American players with ties to other countries if necessary), then NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will select additional All-Stars to join either group to reach that minimum.”
In other words, Towns could end up with the U.S. or the World and it’s difficult to predict right now.

The 30-year-old is a five-time All-Star and a strong candidate to return for the next installment in February.

Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are locks for the World Team, leaving four spots to be filled after All-Star voting.

Tyler Kolek was still in college during the 2023-24 NBA season, when the Knicks were overcoming significant injuries to Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby to win 50 games with gutsy comebacks.

As these Knicks navigate their own injuries — mostly ankle sprains — Kolek sees similarities.

“It kind of reminds me of before I was on the team,” Kolek said. “A lot of times those fourth quarters they were down. I was watching those games and Jalen [Brunson] and Donte [DiVincenzo] and all those guys, they just had that fight to them, that toughness to them. I think it’s showing up a little bit on this team.”

Kolek’s Knicks (22-9) are 4-1 in games in which the score was within three points or fewer in the final two minutes.

Miles McBride is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Pelicans.