KAT’s offseason comments were alarming, but not for the reasons you think

Glory days are reminiscing recollections

As we mature, we find ourselves toggling between what lies in our future, and what lies in our past. And for heaven’s sake, the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves is pretty bright and hopeful right now.  So what about the future of the Minnesota Timberwolves does not instill such passionate optimism and hope from Towns?

When you look at the Timberwolves roster, and consider the ages of various players, it’s clear that the Timberwolves have begun to emphasize younger talent. In age ranges, there are only three Timberwolves players who are older than Towns.  So of the 21 players currently on the Timberwolves roster, 17 players are younger.

Is there a disconnect between Karl-Anthony Towns and the younger players on this team?

Circle the wagons

Perhaps I’m reading more into this, but the truth of the matter is that the Timberwolves have built a roster that complements the combined talents of SG Anthony Edwards, PF Karl-Anthony Towns, and C Rudy Gobert.

That is NOT to say that this team does not also depend on the young and rising stars like SF Jaden McDaniels, C Naz Reid, SG Nickeil Alexander-Walker, or even F Leonard Miller. But the team is built to win now and extend that success over many years as younger players assume starting and leadership roles on this team.

In my opinion, this season could turn out to be the best ever for Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves have built a formidable roster that can handle the heavy lifting in terms of defense, and the Timberwolves roster is loaded with long-distance marksmen who can nail a corner three. In short, the basketball court is KAT’s domain to exploit once again.

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with a professional basketball player exuding tremendous confidence during an interview, especially when the host is reminiscing about past achievements with that player. But that was then, this is now.  I would have been more encouraged to hear less about what was and more about the potential of what this team can deliver in 2023-24.

Curiously, that is the approach that Anthony Edwards takes in his interviews. I look for Towns to praise his teammates, to build them up in his comments, to focus less on his accomplishments, and to focus more on the team’s achievements. That is what the Timberwolves need right now, true leadership.

The baton has likely been handed off to Anthony Edwards in many ways. But there is something new in this tone from Towns.  Has all of the trade rumors eaten away at the way he feels about the team? Or does he simply believe that his path will part at the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline? Stay tuned.

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