The National Basketball Player’s Association has elected New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns as a Vice President on the NBPA Executive Committee—via the NBPA’s Board of Player Representatives.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent was also newly elected as VP, while Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown was re-elected for his third term in the role.
Towns and Vincent are set to succeed Malcolm Brogdon and Bismack Biyombo, both of whom neared the end of their second terms as Vice Presidents but decided to step down from their positions, effective immediately.
“I’m excited to join the NBPA Executive Committee and honored that my peers voted me into this position,” Towns said. “I’ve been in the league for a decade and have never missed a Union meeting; I’m proud to be stepping into a more formal leadership role at this pivotal time. The players power this game, and I want to be in a position to find new ways to deliver value for my fellow players, on and off the court.”
Towns was named the NBA’s 2023-24 Social Justice Champion while still a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He received the award— the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy—for his efforts in upholding “the league’s decades-long values of equality, respect, and inclusion.”
“Karl-Anthony Towns has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing social justice through his tremendous advocacy work not only this past year but throughout his whole career,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum at the time. “Whether it was the passage of the Restore the Vote legislation in Minnesota, his ‘Forgiving Johnny’ documentary, or continued work with the Coalition, Karl’s efforts have made a true impact on the lives of thousands in Minnesota and beyond.”
Now, as an official board member of the NBPA, Towns will be a prominent voice in the decision-making processes regarding the league’s schedule planning, business interests, and potential policy-altering decisions.
Towns is the fourth Knick to hold a position on the NBPA’s Executive Committee, joining Patrick Ewing (President, 1997-2001), Antonio Davis (President, 2005-2006), and Carmelo Anthony (Vice President, 2017-2019).
Other current NBPA Executive Committee members include CJ McCollum (President), Grant Williams (First Vice President), Mason Plumlee (Secretary-Treasurer), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Vice President), Donovan Mitchell (Vice President), and Garrett Temple (Vice President).
