5 Key improvements for the Timberwolves' starters in the second half of the season
Karl-Anthony Towns
Offensive Fouls
Karl-Anthony Towns, a pivotal figure for the Timberwolves, has been driving to the basket at a higher rate than ever before. He is averaging 11.1 drives per 75 possessions, far surpassing his previous high of 7.6 per possession.
Utilizing his pump fake to draw in defenders before slashing to the hoop, Towns has made a living on drives this season and boasts the fourth-highest points per possession (PPP) on drives in the league (minimum 300 drives).
Player | PPP on Drives | Total Drives |
|---|---|---|
Joel Embiid | 0.977 | 302 |
Jaren Jackson Jr | 0.925 | 534 |
Jayson Tatum | 0.877 | 462 |
Karl-Anthony Towns | 0.805 | 523 |
Alperen Sengun | 0.781 | 384 |
On the surface, these numbers seem to indicate all is well. However, when we look deeper, we find that despite the high efficiency, he still has the worst turnover rate (TOV%) on drives at 10.3% (minimum 300 drives). Additionally, he finds himself tied for fifth in the NBA in offensive fouls, averaging 3.3 per game.
This propensity for fouls, especially offensive ones, is a concern that opponents are likely to exploit, especially during the playoffs. In Towns' previous playoff experience, it became clear the book was out on how to slow him down: by attempting to get him into foul trouble early.