**The Official Karl-Anthony Towns Thread: Part Two**

[shrink]

I wonder if we can lean on Towns more to win the games against average opponents, and Ant for the bigger games?

For average opponents, Towns has less stray voltage, and Ant sometimes takes those games off. Then Ant dominated the key games, when KAT gets too excited?

I stuck this in the middle of the game thread last night, but I’ve been thinking about it more this morning.

Both players, when they are playing well, are good enough to spearhead a successful offense. Rarely are both players bad on the same night (except TOR this year), because both seem to have bad games against different types of competition. I don’t know much about coaching adults, but as a kid’s coach, I’d love to be able to quickly bench a young talented player (Baby Ant) when he gets passive against weaker competition or gets caught ball-watching - especially if I had another strong offensive player (Teen Karl) to help maintain the offense. I think for kids, it helps sometimes to take them out of games, to get them to focus on habits (like effort and attention) that keep them on the floor.

And I wonder if it would help Karl’s stray voltage if the coach told him, “This is a big game, and we’re going to start off feeding Ant. No pressure - get yours when it’s within the flow of the game.” Towns has a number of psychological qualities I don’t like, but one good characteristic is that he’s unselfish. He knows he needs the team to win to change his narrative, and has been willing to sacrifice a lot to help Rudy fit in. Calmer Towns is a great player, but how do you keep him calm in the biggest moments?

[Note30]

I wonder if we can lean on Towns more to win the games against average opponents, and Ant for the bigger games?

For average opponents, Towns has less stray voltage, and Ant sometimes takes those games off. Then Ant dominated the key games, when KAT gets too excited?

I stuck this in the middle of the game thread last night, but I’ve been thinking about it more this morning.

Both players, when they are playing well, are good enough to spearhead a successful offense. Rarely are both players bad on the same night (except TOR this year), because both seem to have bad games against different types of competition. I don’t know much about coaching adults, but as a kid’s coach, I’d love to be able to quickly bench a young talented player (Baby Ant) when he gets passive against weaker competition or gets caught ball-watching - especially if I had another strong offensive player (Teen Karl) to help maintain the offense. I think for kids, it helps sometimes to take them out of games, to get them to focus on habits (like effort and attention) that keep them on the floor.

And I wonder if it would help Karl’s stray voltage if the coach told him, “This is a big game, and we’re going to start off feeding Ant. No pressure - get yours when it’s within the flow of the game.” Towns has a number of psychological qualities I don’t like, but one good characteristic is that he’s unselfish. He knows he needs the team to win to change his narrative, and has been willing to sacrifice a lot to help Rudy fit in. Calmer Towns is a great player, but how do you keep him calm in the biggest moments?

I think there's also a psychological factor of being yet again the sidekick to another player when this team is finally good.

He's had a really unfortunate career in my opinion. I do think he'd benefit from better personal coaching.

[BlacJacMac]

It's time to move Towns guys. We have the best defense in the NBA. We have a young Kobe Bryant. We can go far. Recoup future assets to acquire a new star or get someone like Siakam but man, this team is good, and it's hard to see Towns fitting in and being maximized.

The issue is that Towns is part of that “best defense in the NBA.” He’s absolutely crucial to Minnesota’s game plan against Nikola Jokić, so dumping him really hurts Minnesota in that matchup.

Can you pay a Super Max contract just to defend Jokic?

My guess is you can find a defensive big to put next to Rudy that can give you the same thing (or more) on defense when needed. It clearly won't be as complete of a player, but that's fine for specific match-ups only.

[Guest84]

I'm really pulling for Towns and would like him to succeed with the wolves. While he's had a tough career in terms of lack of organizational stability, at this point he is who he is (emotionally). If the wolves keep him, the only thing they can prob do at this point is try to minimize his meltdowns with clock management, easier opportunities, or something else.

He did have a great stretch with like 3 straight buckets but he's a player you just hope the positive outweighs the negative most nights.

[jpatrick]

I’m losing hope KAT will ever have the mental toughness to even be a #2 on a really good team. But we can’t move him either. We need a #2 scoring option and that guy isn’t on the team, and I don’t see a deal for that guy being available. Our best/only hope is that KAT gets it together, plays tougher, smarter, and less out of control.

As Jim Peterson talks about so much, KAT will play with bad technique or simply lazy, which causes him to foul and/or look out of control. Then he acts like he was wronged by the refs. Just not winning basketball.

[NebWolvesFan]

As much as I would love to trade KAT for picks and role players. This team needs a second superstar to get a top 4 seed.

Last night showed me that KAT is just a bad fit for a team built around defense. He thrives in the Ryan Saunders get up and down the court and win 130-128 or more commonly lost 135-125. He was great pre-Rudy when Ant and KAT tried to each score 40 and win a track meet. But in this new culture where the Wolves try and force their will on teams, he struggles. He's trying hard to be a good defender. He's just not.

Last night, Ant said they weren't going to foul me out. He was probably right. But they fouled out KAT. The reason. Ant is playing hard, smart defense and the refs weren't going to let Tatum or Brown flail their arms or legs or flop to get ANT out of the game. Ant was playing defense correctly. KAT was swinging down on shots and smacking arms or pushing smaller guys out of the way. Refs aren't going to let that go.

I just hope KAT will start hitting outside shots and learn his limitations on D.

Or somehow someway, TC can pull off a trade like Indiana did when they traded Sabonis for Haliburton. I would love a Hawks-Wolves trade where KAT goes and plays with Young and Murray is the Wolves PG of the future.

[Guest84]

I’m losing hope KAT will ever have the mental toughness to even be a #2 on a really good team. But we can’t move him either. We need a #2 scoring option and that guy isn’t on the team, and I don’t see a deal for that guy being available. Our best/only hope is that KAT gets it together, plays tougher, smarter, and less out of control.

As Jim Peterson talks about so much, KAT will play with bad technique or simply lazy, which causes him to foul and/or look out of control. Then he acts like he was wronged by the refs. Just not winning basketball.

I've stressed this a ton. I don't think he's lazy at all. I think it's poor technique paired with his awkwardness. This is crazy to me because I don't remember him being like this early on in his career. I also think his frustration with calls causes him to overcompensate to try to get them. Too often he plays like he's 6'5 and 6'10"/7'0". For example, there's no way a Jrue Holiday should ever be considered to guard him.

Sadly, Towns is prob not the long-term answer and it has nothing to do with his talent but everything to do with his mentality. He might be better served in the Bosh (miami) roll as a 3rd to Ant and whoever. Can Jaden be the #2? He's def got a clutch gene and that aggressive nature.

[Klomp]

It's time to move Towns guys. We have the best defense in the NBA. We have a young Kobe Bryant. We can go far. Recoup future assets to acquire a new star or get someone like Siakam but man, this team is good, and it's hard to see Towns fitting in and being maximized.

The issue is that Towns is part of that “best defense in the NBA.” He’s absolutely crucial to Minnesota’s game plan against Nikola Jokić, so dumping him really hurts Minnesota in that matchup.

Stop using logic in Towns' favor! It doesn't fit the narrative....

[Klomp]

I’m losing hope KAT will ever have the mental toughness to even be a #2 on a really good team.

He literally is the No. 2 on a really good team right now.

[Colbinii]

I’m losing hope KAT will ever have the mental toughness to even be a #2 on a really good team.

He literally is the No. 2 on a really good team right now.

He isn't playing like a Number 2.

[Colbinii]

It's time to move Towns guys. We have the best defense in the NBA. We have a young Kobe Bryant. We can go far. Recoup future assets to acquire a new star or get someone like Siakam but man, this team is good, and it's hard to see Towns fitting in and being maximized.

The issue is that Towns is part of that “best defense in the NBA.” He’s absolutely crucial to Minnesota’s game plan against Nikola Jokić, so dumping him really hurts Minnesota in that matchup.

Stop using logic in Towns' favor! It doesn't fit the narrative....

As if I didn't use logic against Towns

[TimberKat]

I’m losing hope KAT will ever have the mental toughness to even be a #2 on a really good team.

He literally is the No. 2 on a really good team right now.

He isn't playing like a Number 2.

Is he the new Porziņģis? Couldn't get it done in Dallas and DC as the main event but is doing great as the 3rd act.

[jpatrick]

I’m losing hope KAT will ever have the mental toughness to even be a #2 on a really good team.

He literally is the No. 2 on a really good team right now.

He is, at best, the fourth most important player on this team right now. If that continues, we will be in that 6-10 seed range, not top four; and we certainly will not advance in the playoffs. By really good team, I mean a team that can go to the conference finals. KAT has to be better.

[Mattya]

KAT’s probably playing the best defense of his career. Let’s maybe give him some time to get his offense back with the commitment he has shown on defense so far this year.

[Colbinii]

Some of you are so defensive of a player who is now 27 years old and has yet to show the level of maturity you want to see from a top-tier player.

Can Towns turn it around? Yes, but unlikely.

Can we be critical of a player who has been in the NBA for 8 seasons? Yes, of course.

Do we think Towns can be better? Of course.

This isn't a black and white issue. You don't need to defend Towns through thick and thin. We can be better than how most people approach politics in the US [One side Good, Otherside Evil, no thinking, Listen to the Leaders]. Think for yourself. Understand that this isn't a black and white issue.

For me, I view Towns as an excellent Center and a worse PF than he is Center. If you want to argue this point, please do so. But, because of this, he is maximized at Center, not Power Forward. With this in mind, it may be beneficial for the Timberwolves to turn Towns into a similar caliber player at the 4 [or 1] who can be maximized in our system, which Towns has not been.

Beyond this, he has a track record of not living up to what we want him to be [I want him to be a Top 20 player, he isn't always that, and nights like last night he is far cry from it]. Let's quit making excuses for him and his shortcomings.

[Mattya]

Some of you are so defensive of a player who is now 27 years old and has yet to show the level of maturity you want to see from a top-tier player.

Can Towns turn it around? Yes, but unlikely.

Can we be critical of a player who has been in the NBA for 8 seasons? Yes, of course.

Do we think Towns can be better? Of course.

This isn't a black and white issue. You don't need to defend Towns through thick and thin. We can be better than how most people approach politics in the US [One side Good, Otherside Evil, no thinking, Listen to the Leaders]. Think for yourself. Understand that this isn't a black and white issue.

For me, I view Towns as an excellent Center and a worse PF than he is Center. If you want to argue this point, please do so. But, because of this, he is maximized at Center, not Power Forward. With this in mind, it may be beneficial for the Timberwolves to turn Towns into a similar caliber player at the 4 [or 1] who can be maximized in our system, which Towns has not been.

Beyond this, he has a track record of not living up to what we want him to be [I want him to be a Top 20 player, he isn't always that, and nights like last night he is far cry from it]. Let's quit making excuses for him and his shortcomings.

This post itself is treating the other perspectives as less worthy than yours.

[Colbinii]

Some of you are so defensive of a player who is now 27 years old and has yet to show the level of maturity you want to see from a top-tier player.

Can Towns turn it around? Yes, but unlikely.

Can we be critical of a player who has been in the NBA for 8 seasons? Yes, of course.

Do we think Towns can be better? Of course.

This isn't a black and white issue. You don't need to defend Towns through thick and thin. We can be better than how most people approach politics in the US [One side Good, Otherside Evil, no thinking, Listen to the Leaders]. Think for yourself. Understand that this isn't a black and white issue.

For me, I view Towns as an excellent Center and a worse PF than he is Center. If you want to argue this point, please do so. But, because of this, he is maximized at Center, not Power Forward. With this in mind, it may be beneficial for the Timberwolves to turn Towns into a similar caliber player at the 4 [or 1] who can be maximized in our system, which Towns has not been.

Beyond this, he has a track record of not living up to what we want him to be [I want him to be a Top 20 player, he isn't always that, and nights like last night he is far cry from it]. Let's quit making excuses for him and his shortcomings.

This post itself is treating the other perspectives as less worthy than yours.

No, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just think we all need to understand it isn't a black and white issue.

It isn't MOVE TOWNS FOR NOTHING or GIVE TOWNS TIME HE IS A #2!

We can be critical of him. We can explain in a reasonable manner why Towns is struggling. We can explain why we think Towns will or will not improve.

But, maybe we shouldn't quote one person we agree with and say "Stop using logic in Towns' favor! It doesn't fit the narrative...."

This implies I didn't use Logic, which couldn't be further from the truth. But the poster is Klomp

[Mattya]

Some of you are so defensive of a player who is now 27 years old and has yet to show the level of maturity you want to see from a top-tier player.

Can Towns turn it around? Yes, but unlikely.

Can we be critical of a player who has been in the NBA for 8 seasons? Yes, of course.

Do we think Towns can be better? Of course.

This isn't a black and white issue. You don't need to defend Towns through thick and thin. We can be better than how most people approach politics in the US [One side Good, Otherside Evil, no thinking, Listen to the Leaders]. Think for yourself. Understand that this isn't a black and white issue.

For me, I view Towns as an excellent Center and a worse PF than he is Center. If you want to argue this point, please do so. But, because of this, he is maximized at Center, not Power Forward. With this in mind, it may be beneficial for the Timberwolves to turn Towns into a similar caliber player at the 4 [or 1] who can be maximized in our system, which Towns has not been.

Beyond this, he has a track record of not living up to what we want him to be [I want him to be a Top 20 player, he isn't always that, and nights like last night he is far cry from it]. Let's quit making excuses for him and his shortcomings.

This post itself is treating the other perspectives as less worthy than yours.

No, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just think we all need to understand it isn't a black and white issue.

It isn't MOVE TOWNS FOR NOTHING or GIVE TOWNS TIME HE IS A #2!

We can be critical of him. We can explain in a reasonable manner why Towns is struggling. We can explain why we think Towns will or will not improve.

But, maybe we shouldn't quote one person we agree with and say "Stop using logic in Towns' favor! It doesn't fit the narrative...."

This implies I didn't use Logic, which couldn't be further from the truth. But the poster is Klomp

It is but you didn’t make it that way because you disagree with Klomp. Hold yourself to the same standard.

[younggunsmn]

I’m losing hope KAT will ever have the mental toughness to even be a #2 on a really good team. But we can’t move him either. We need a #2 scoring option and that guy isn’t on the team, and I don’t see a deal for that guy being available. Our best/only hope is that KAT gets it together, plays tougher, smarter, and less out of control.

As Jim Peterson talks about so much, KAT will play with bad technique or simply lazy, which causes him to foul and/or look out of control. Then he acts like he was wronged by the refs. Just not winning basketball.

I've stressed this a ton. I don't think he's lazy at all. I think it's poor technique paired with his awkwardness. This is crazy to me because I don't remember him being like this early on in his career. I also think his frustration with calls causes him to overcompensate to try to get them. Too often he plays like he's 6'5 and 6'10"/7'0". For example, there's no way a Jrue Holiday should ever be considered to guard him.

Sadly, Towns is prob not the long-term answer and it has nothing to do with his talent but everything to do with his mentality. He might be better served in the Bosh (miami) roll as a 3rd to Ant and whoever. Can Jaden be the #2? He's def got a clutch gene and that aggressive nature.

I think the biggest problem is composure. Players get under his skin. Refs get under his skin.
The problem is when he faces adversity, he goes 100 miles an hour instead of being cerebral and concentrating on the next play, where he needs to be, and his technique. Tries too hard to punish little guys if they get the best of him a time or two.
Misses a couple shots or makes a turnover and tries to make up for it with a 30 footer.
Tries to make a home run pass instead of a hockey assist.
There was one really awful play where he made a no look behind the back outlet pass in the backcourt that easily could have been a turnover.
He's always trying to hit a grand slam when all we need is a single or a walk.

When a guy's been in the league 9 years and making supermax money, the time for excuses is over.
This is a "put up or shut up" year for KAT.

[Colbinii]

This post itself is treating the other perspectives as less worthy than yours.

No, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just think we all need to understand it isn't a black and white issue.

It isn't MOVE TOWNS FOR NOTHING or GIVE TOWNS TIME HE IS A #2!

We can be critical of him. We can explain in a reasonable manner why Towns is struggling. We can explain why we think Towns will or will not improve.

But, maybe we shouldn't quote one person we agree with and say "Stop using logic in Towns' favor! It doesn't fit the narrative...."

This implies I didn't use Logic, which couldn't be further from the truth. But the poster is Klomp

It is but you didn’t make it that way because you disagree with Klomp. Hold yourself to the same standard.

I don't disagree with Klomp. I disagree with his tone and type of post.

Do you think his type of post is productive?