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5 keys for the Timberwolves to clinch a top-3 playoff seed

By Adam Ziobrowski

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 27, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 27, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 11: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on December 11, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 11: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on December 11, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

KAT has an MVP-caliber season

Karl-Anthony Towns had an outstanding second season in the league. Count me as someone who believes that he could very well be a sneaky MVP candidate. However, previously mentioned, Towns needs to improve defensively in order to be in the conversation.

Last year, Towns finished 64th — dead last among centers — with a -1.41 DRPM. Sure, he led the team with 1.3 shots blocked and 12.3 rebounds per game, but those numbers are not enough to be able to look past his overall defensive rating and struggles in guarding one-on-one, especially in the post.

Towns needs to build strength in order to match-up better with some of the larger, more “true centers” in the league. Fouling was also an issue for Towns last season; he finished tied for 19th in the league averaging 2.9 fouls per game. Easing up in that department will help keep him on the floor longer and show growth in his defensive game.

It wouldn’t be all defense that gets him the MVP, of course. Towns needs to come back with just as good, if not a better offensive season in order to have a legitimate chance at the award. As long as he keeps playing beyond his years such as he has been, this isn’t too far-fetched.

The bigger picture here is how vital Towns’s role on the team is. Even with Jimmy Butler coming into the mix, Towns is still the franchise cornerstone. If he comes back this season in MVP form, the Wolves have an excellent chance at a two or a three seed.

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