Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Rewind: Profiling Towns and Russell

4 of 6

Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 25: Karl-Anthony Towns meets with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Rewind: Profiling Towns and Russell

Drafted: 2015, No. 1 Overall

NBA Player Comparison: Andrew Bogut/Vlade Divac

Draft Outlook Analysis

Karl-Anthony Towns entered the 2015 NBA Draft with a ton of untapped potential but was seen as not quite as polished as other bigs in the draft.

Towns may not have had eye-popping stats in college, but that was to be expected when playing next to three other expected lottery picks in Willie Cauley-Stein, Trey Lyles, and Devin Booker. Towns did show what he is capable of, though, throughout March Madness.

While at the University of Kentucky, KAT showed a wide range of moves inside but it was his play outside of the paint that allowed him to distinguish himself. Towns’ has a textbook shooting form and has consistently shot great from midrange, while also showing the ability to step back to the 3-point line, although he wasn’t allowed to showcase that range as often under Kentucky coach John Calipari.

KAT’s offense is intriguing, but what made him the top prospect in the draft was his defensive skillset. Towns had — and still has — a great combination of timing and length, and showcased a desire to block every shot. That combination gave him the potential to be one of the best rim-protectors in the NBA.

The biggest concern for Towns out of college is the fact that he never had to be the main focal point playing at Kentucky, which raises the question as to whether or not he can take over an entire game if needed. Towns also struggled with foul trouble as he tries to block every shot and falls for pump-fakes far too often — a problem that persists today.

Given the progress that Karl-Anthony Towns made from the beginning of his freshman season to March Madness, there should not have been too many concerns that he would continue to work on his shortcomings. KAT had the look to be able to dominate on both ends of the floor, and, rightfully so, the sky was seen as the limit for him as an NBA player.

Home/Timberwolves News