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Best and worst-case scenarios for Karl-Anthony Towns

By Adam Ziobrowski

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 6: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 6: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As we creep closer to training camp, what are the best and worst-case scenarios for Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves this season?

In just two seasons, 21-year-old Karl-Anthony Towns has already established himself as one of the best big men in the NBA.

Over his first two seasons, Towns has averaged 21.7 points and 11.4 total rebounds per game. H also won the 2015-16 Rookie of the Year award and only improved in Year Two.

Last season alone, Towns finished 12th in the league scoring at 25.1 points per game while shooting 54.2 percent from the field. He also showed his range by shooting 36.7 percent from 3-point range — third-best in the league among qualified centers.

Towns has shown he has the potential to become one of the best players in the league, and sooner rather than later. However, that can only be done if he overcomes the flaws in his game.

Last season, he was statistically one of the worst centers in the league on the defensive end of the floor outside of grabbing rebounds and blocking shots. He finished last out of 64 qualified centers in the league with a -1.41 defensive real plus/minus.

Towns may see his numbers dip with the incoming talent the Wolves acquired this season. Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague, along with Andrew Wiggins, will be able to handle more of the scoring load. However, he will still be a go-to option on offense as well as a presence around the rim.

Even with all the talent around him, Towns still has the ability to become a top player in the league this season. If he wants to accomplish that this year there are a couple of aspects of his game he needs to keep the same, as well as a couple he needs to improve.

For that to happen here are best and worst case scenarios for Towns entering this season.

Worst-case scenarios

Bad news first, right?

Although everyone expects Towns to keep progressing, there is always a possibility of a regression.

As mentioned, for Towns and the Wolves to succeed next year he needs to become a threat on defense. Although he finished sixth in the league in rebounds and 18th in blocks, the aforementioned defensive plus/minus speaks for itself.

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Towns’ inability to defend at times late in games last season undoubtedly cost the Wolves a few wins last season. And while it wouldn’t be fair to pin all the blame on him for that, more so than anyone else, Towns needs to improve defensively. This includes limiting the amount of fouls he commits, too.

On more of a team note, the Wolves made so many improvements this offseason its hard not to see them in the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. The only other worst-case scenario for Towns would be missing the playoffs.

I know that is asking a lot out of a player entering his third year. However, Towns is clearly a special talent. But what if he can’t improve defensively or find a way to mesh with all the new veterans?

If the Wolves miss the playoffs yet again, many fingers will be pointed at Towns and the Wolves defense.

Best-case scenarios

I’ve been saying it all offseason: Towns will find his way into MVP conversations this season.

What other than the MVP award would be the best case scenario for KAT? It’s within reason and can happen if he solidifies a few aspects of his game.

I can’t stress enough how vital it is that Towns improves on defense. In this case, it is the only way to enter the MVP discussions come mid-season. It will take a lot of work to go from the last-ranked center in terms of plus/minus to ranking inside the top-10. However, between Towns’ work ethic and playing in year two under Thibodeau, he may have it come to him easier than expected.

Along with improving overall, he needs to keep rebounding at a similar pace. Along with that, another block or two per game wouldn’t hurt his case, either.

His offensive game is there — clearly top-15 or even top-10 in the league. You can’t ask for much more other than what Towns has already provided offensively. He shoots 50 percent from the field and can score at will around the rim — there’s not much to improve there. The only thing he should be worried about on offense would be maintaining his production.

Imagine Towns scoring 25 points per game yet again this season along with Wiggins, Butler and Teague putting up over 15 per game as well. That’s an unquestionable top-five offense in the league.

If all goes right for Towns this year how can anyone not mention him for the league MVP? He’d have all the numbers and star power to back it up along with a successful team. However, all may not go completely right and we may see Towns production fall to the other big names on the team.

Next: Should Tyus Jones Be The Wolves' Backup Point Guard?

No worries, Timberwolves fans: Towns is too good for the best-case scenario not to be the more likely outcome this season.

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