Karl Anthony-Towns: Shocking changes to his national narrative
By Evan Smith
Post-Jimmy
If you’re reading this article I imagine you would be familiar with the ending of Jimmy Butler’s tenure in Minnesota, but let’s quickly recap. Following the 2017-18 season, tension quickly started to build in Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach Tom Thibodeau’s locker room.
Word was out and it was well publicized that Jimmy Butler was not a fan of Wiggins and Towns’ work ethic, and in September of 2018, it was made known the star wanted to be traded. Well, actually, there was an impasse to re-signing Karl-Anthony Towns or keeping Jimmy Butler. So, in November of the same year, a deal was struck to send Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers.
This led to yet another turbulent and disappointing campaign. After breaking their 14-year playoff drought the season prior, the Timberwolves dropped to a 36-win team, which triggered even more upheaval as the team’s front office opted to move on from Thibodeau mid-season.
Ryan Saunders, son of beloved Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders, took the reins to turn the team around once again. Although seemingly liked by the players, Saunders was not able to bring significant success to Minnesota, having a 17-25 record throughout the back half of the 2018-19 season.
Towns yet again had a fantastic year, being an All-Star once again, but was not able to translate his personal glory into team success. However, following a season of drama and roster turnover, fans had yet to point the finger at KAT.