#MCM- Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves
@Hoover__26 November 23
When rookies come into the NBA, they usually have a period of adjustment. The three point line is further, the shot clock is shorter, and the players are better. But, a select few have enough talent to move seamlessly into a starring role with very little growing pains. Those players are few and far between. However, even rarer is the kind of player that can do that after just one year in college. Karl Towns has made the leap into the pros at a very young age (as many of his Kentucky peers have done in the past), and it’s safe to say the #1 overall pick is lighting it up.
Towns is averaging 16 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game so far this year. His talent looks matured beyond his age, and he has the length and athleticism to burn defenders regularly. He’s even shooting 90% from the free throw line! However, as all young players do, Towns has a weakness. His passing isn’t the best, and he averages only about one assist per game, and has gone without an assist four times this year. That could be a small issue, but with the fellow young talent that Towns is surrounded by, teams can’t afford to double him and force a shot. If he can use his long arms and pass out of a double with decent efficiency, and put up the scoring, rebounding and blocking numbers he currently is, I really don't care about his assists all that much.
Towns is listed at 6’11”, and having just turned 20, he could even grow a bit more. He has a massive wingspan, and can send shots back with ease. His touch is very nice, and he has no problem scoring on, or snatching rebounds from veteran NBA defenders. In fact, he looks like one himself! His three best games, from a fantasy standpoint, came against Denver, Chicago and Charlotte. Charlotte has Big Al Jefferson, Chicago has Joakim Noah, and Denver has, well, their defense isn’t great, but still.
Towns’ average draft position (espn.com) was 48th, after guys like Monta Ellis and Kyrie Irving (who hasn’t even played yet!), so he wasn’t really touted as a super-high fantasy pick (I took him 45th). However, he currently ranks in the top fifteen on espn.com’s player rater.
Karl-Anthony Towns has transitioned perfectly to the NBA. He can give your fantasy team some much needed production, and perhaps fuel a championship run!
Towns is averaging 16 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game so far this year. His talent looks matured beyond his age, and he has the length and athleticism to burn defenders regularly. He’s even shooting 90% from the free throw line! However, as all young players do, Towns has a weakness. His passing isn’t the best, and he averages only about one assist per game, and has gone without an assist four times this year. That could be a small issue, but with the fellow young talent that Towns is surrounded by, teams can’t afford to double him and force a shot. If he can use his long arms and pass out of a double with decent efficiency, and put up the scoring, rebounding and blocking numbers he currently is, I really don't care about his assists all that much.
Towns is listed at 6’11”, and having just turned 20, he could even grow a bit more. He has a massive wingspan, and can send shots back with ease. His touch is very nice, and he has no problem scoring on, or snatching rebounds from veteran NBA defenders. In fact, he looks like one himself! His three best games, from a fantasy standpoint, came against Denver, Chicago and Charlotte. Charlotte has Big Al Jefferson, Chicago has Joakim Noah, and Denver has, well, their defense isn’t great, but still.
Towns’ average draft position (espn.com) was 48th, after guys like Monta Ellis and Kyrie Irving (who hasn’t even played yet!), so he wasn’t really touted as a super-high fantasy pick (I took him 45th). However, he currently ranks in the top fifteen on espn.com’s player rater.
Karl-Anthony Towns has transitioned perfectly to the NBA. He can give your fantasy team some much needed production, and perhaps fuel a championship run!