New York Knicks supporters continue to devise creative nicknames for their team’s newly acquired star center Karl-Anthony Towns. While one moniker has already begun to stick, Towns’ new teammate Josh Hart recently provided several more suggestions on social media.
Upon being acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team trade earlier this month, Towns was quickly embraced by Knicks fans, getting dubbed “Bodega KAT.” The nickname references New York City’s abundance of bodega cats, stemming from its large stray cat population, while incorporating the acronym of Towns’ name.
Bodega cats are “a type of working cat” that “inhabit convenience stores or delis” in New York City, often providing shop-goers with a laidback, comforting presence. Thus, many felt the moniker was fitting for Towns, who is known for his amiable personality.
Following Towns’ Knicks preseason debut against the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 6, Hart posted a variation of the moniker on X/Twitter.
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“The Big Bodega,” Hart said.
However, on Monday, the veteran wing took his nickname suggestions a step further.
Knicks podcaster Kris Pursiainen published a tweet asking fans for their “official KAT nickname” before the 2024-25 regular season’s start date. Afterward, Hart doubled down on his previous idea, naming four more options.
“The Big Bodega, The Big Kat, Kit Kat, The Big Meow [and] Big Purr,” Hart said.
However, it remains to be seen if any of Hart’s suggestions will stick among New York’s fanbase.
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Karl-Anthony Towns approves ‘Bodega KAT’ nickname
While Josh Hart appears determined to come up with a nickname for his new teammate, Karl-Anthony Towns is seemingly already sold on “Bodega KAT.”
Following his aforementioned preseason debut, the four-time All-Star reportedly gave the moniker his stamp of approval.
“That’s clever. That’s pretty good,” Towns said, via Knicks beat writer Kristian Winfield.
Meanwhile, New York outlets have already begun selling “Bodega KAT” merchandise.
Thus, “Bodega KAT” appears to be the favorite to become Towns’ primary new nickname in his first season with the Knicks.
