WATCH: Karl Anthony Towns Tears up before Timberwolves’ Pre-Season Game

The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has been unprecedented. It has spared no one, not even the NBA. Earlier this year, Karl Anthony Towns lost his mother Jacqueline Cruz after she contacted COVID-19.

Cruz always had been the support system and was very influential in KAT’s life. Yesterday, before his pre-season game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Towns didn’t walk out to his usual pregame introduction.

An emotional KAT teared up because of his mom’s absence and was later rallied by his Timberwolves’ teammates.

Towns has been one of the best players in his draft class. He has been the centerpiece of a Timberwolves team who have brought in another star in D’Angelo Russel into the team. With an injury free duo of Towns and Russell, expect some solid performances from this team.

The Timberwolves meanwhile have one more preseason game against the Grizzlies and then will face Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in their last pre-season game.

What does the future hold for Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves?

Towns has been in the NBA for 5 years now. Drafted #1 by the Timberwolves, the team made it to Playoffs only once. Understandably he would be growing frustrated considering he is reaching his prime.

The team brought Towns’ best friend, D’Angelo Russell. It is early days, but this can become a great partnership ahead.

The Timberwolves also drafted an explosive scorer in Anthony Edwards. Edwards is one of the best scorers in this draft class and might develop into the 3rd star needed for the team.

KAT and D’Angelo Russell’s partnership might be the thing to propel the Timberwolves into playoff contention. Both Russell and Towns can be effective in the pick and roll. And both the players have many other offensive tools in their arsenal.

They also have retained Malik Beasley. Beasley had a stellar end to his 2019-20 season as he averaged 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game for the Wolves. He has had some off-court issues, but the Wolves will be hoping that he can carry on the Bubble form next season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves will hope that the younger players they have drafted offer them decent depth on the bench and their stars step up. If they are in all cylinders firing, they can certainly challenge for the Playoffs.