USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) passes around Detroit Pistons forward Mason Plumlee (24) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) passes around Detroit Pistons forward Mason Plumlee (24) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the brightest young centers in the league. The former NCAA Champion and number one overall pick has had a good career in Minnesota till now.
He has made all-star games, All-NBA teams, and even the playoffs. However, he is yet to enjoy any real team success, mainly due to the odd construction of the Timberwolves.
He had Jimmy Butler, who was eventually traded to Philly after Butler felt that the team was too immature. That blame was mainly on Andrew Wiggins.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Minnesota traded him away last year to bring in KAT’s close friend D’Angelo Russell. They also added number one overall pick, Anthony Edwards, to the team, along with a series of shrewd off-season moves. KAT has been injured but is nearing a return.
Sources expect KAT return to be closer to a game-time decision on Saturday, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/AliEx48Ydg
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 8, 2021
The Timberwolves were shaping up to be one of the biggest surprises of the 2019-20 season. However, KAT getting injured last season doomed their chances. Now with all the new pieces, can KAT find that form again and lead Minnesota to the Playoffs in the West?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Karl-Anthony Towns: Will he and D-Lo give this franchise hope?
KAT is the perfect modern offensive center. He is a very skilled shooter which allows Minnesota to space the floor. Not only that, but KAT is also a great inside scorer by virtue of being a 7-footer. What he can’t do is defend at the highest level.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) hugs guard D’Angelo Russell (0) following the game against the Detroit Pistons at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota is currently 2-6 in the season and are occupying the second-last position in the Conference. However, it is still a very tightly packed conference with 7 teams having the same record of 4-4 heading into tonight’s games. The offensive viability that KAT provides is hard to match.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Having guards like Ricky Rubio and D’Angelo Russell to create better looks for KAT will at least help them improve their record. However, it seems unlikely that this team can make the leap to playoff contenders within just a season. The core is young and bound to improve. An impressive showing this year will go a long way in building the foundation of future success with this very talented core.
