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

[shrink]

Top Ten in Defensive Rating, early in the season.

1. Rudy Gobert • MIN 95.8
2. Karl-Anthony Towns • MIN 98.3
3. Mitchell Robinson • NYK 99.3
4. Deandre Ayton • POR 99.4
5. Nickeil Alexander-Walker • MIN 100.1
6. Kyle Anderson • MIN 100.6
7. Naz Reid • MIN 101.6
8. Jalen Suggs • ORL 102.0
9. Donte DiVincenzo • NYK 102.9
10. Anthony Edwards • MIN 103.1

[shrink]

My post might not have been in the best tone, but my intentions are to point out that I see a flaw when people say he's not fitting in. We are already the best defense in the NBA, and Towns is a part of it. Trading away Towns cannot make the defense ranked any higher. Towns is a big reason why we are able to hang with a team like Denver. It creates matchups that teams like that are not able to effectively counter.

Where I see Towns coming through most ideally are going to be on nights where Ant is "off". Having someone who can step up in those situations is critical. And they were both "on" against Utah. That is an example of what this tandem can still do together.

We are Minnesota Timberwolves fans. Why are we griping about having too good of talent?

Good post. I think when Towns has a bad, stray voltage game, the knee-jerk reaction for some people is to say he sucks and that they want him to be traded. They forget games like Denver that would easily be losses without Towns. In fact, since wins are a product of collective TEAM production, it’s hard to say which games the Wolves might lose. Even last night, when Towns was actively hurting us (despite the ten boards), if we didn’t have him, they would have re-assigned First Team Defense Jrue Holiday, you know, probably to Ant.

When people say he hasn’t learned anything, do they ignore the majority of games where he doesn’t flame out, and is very productive? Yes, I would like him to have zero “stray voltage” games too, but this behavior is far from every game. Trading Towns for “players and picks of the future” makes this team worse, and this year it is particularly important that they do really well.

[Calinks]

Hoepfully Towns understand the amazing oppurtunity he has right now. He is basically in the position Wiggins was in when he got traded to Golden State. If he can figure out how to maximize his game in THIS current role, he will be an instrumental piece to this team. He has already been playing really good defense, he just needs to find a reliable offense and he absolutely talented enough to do that.

The only thing holding him back is himself. He has to accept that he may struggle for a while to find an offensive grove but he can still help this team tremendously by playing defense and rebounding. If he played great defense, grabbed rebounds, and just hit a few threes a game, but had zero stray voltage, he would be a key piece. This is his golden opportunity, he just needs to be mature enough to realize it.

[minimus]

Hoepfully Towns understand the amazing oppurtunity he has right now. He is basically in the position Wiggins was in when he got traded to Golden State. If he can figure out how to maximize his game in THIS current role, he will be an instrumental piece to this team. He has already been playing really good defense, he just needs to find a reliable offense and he absolutely talented enough to do that.

The only thing holding him back is himself. He has to accept that he may struggle for a while to find an offensive grove but he can still help this team tremendously by playing defense and rebounding. If he played great defense, grabbed rebounds, and just hit a few threes a game, but had zero stray voltage, he would be a key piece. This is his golden opportunity, he just needs to be mature enough to realize it.

Agree. I wish Towns plays more under control, but still aggressive. He really must cleanup those small mistakes such as hooking opponent on postup/drives, or ticky-tack fouls. A mistake free Towns can be is such a force for us. I compared him to Zach Randolph and Rasheed Wallace as physical PFs in defensive minded teams. I have just realized that he is both too big and too good as shooter for average PF. Whoever we trade Towns for will be either worse shooter, or undersized for PF.

Let say we trade Towns for Cam Johnson, PG prospect and picks. Cam Johnson is much better movement shooter, but he is nowhere near as rebounder, postup and passer guy.

Let say we trade Towns PG prospect and picks, and keep Anderson. With Anderson we might end up again in bottom NBA in rebounding. We might speed up Miller development, but he is such an inconsistent shooter right now.

[frankenwolf]

We are Minnesota Timberwolves fans. Why are we griping about having too good of talent?

Why are we griping about having too good of talent? We are Minnesota Timberwolves fans.
FIFY

[minimus]

Another good comparison for Towns could be late Kevin Love: offensive minded PF, who provide little defense, but can stretch defense, rebound, set screens and pass. And more importantly plays within his role as stretch four.

I just wonder whether low profile PF can be a solution for our PF problem. In first games Naz Reid has showed that he can fill some minutes at PF next to Gobert/Towns. If we trade Towns it will be Reid/Anderson/Minott/Miller who can fill that void with more shot opportunities for McDaniels. Not sure if rookie can handle this duty, I was impressed how Towns toyed with Olivier-Maxence Prosper in preseason game. I remember I thought that Miller or Minott would be abused as well if they start against Zion, Giannis, Tatum, Davis etc.

[DaMplsKid]

Another good comparison for Towns could be late Kevin Love: offensive minded PF, who provide little defense, but can stretch defense, rebound, set screens and pass. And more importantly plays within his role as stretch four.

I just wonder whether low profile PF can be a solution for our PF problem. In first games Naz Reid has showed that he can fill some minutes at PF next to Gobert/Towns. If we trade Towns it will be Reid/Anderson/Minott/Miller who can fill that void with more shot opportunities for McDaniels. Not sure if rookie can handle this duty, I was impressed how Towns toyed with Olivier-Maxence Prosper in preseason game. I remember I thought that Miller or Minott would be abused as well if they start against Zion, Giannis, Tatum, Davis etc.

The thing is if we trade Karl we will get someone back for him. Maybe this should be in a trade thread but I would be willing to move him for these type of guys:

Mikal Bridges is the #1 type of guy I would love to get. ( Karl goes home and plays with his friend again Simmons)
Franz Wagner highly doubt Orlando would want to move him but Town with Banchero could be a better fit. (would love to get either Anthony or Suggs included)
Grant Williams is becoming a great 3/D PF and would make a prefect glue guy who can play in multiple lineups. ( Dallas gets a 3rd "Star")
O.G> Anunoby see above.
Chet Holmgren would be a pipedream for me but would make a great fit for our future (if he can stay health)

[TimberKat]

Another good comparison for Towns could be late Kevin Love: offensive minded PF, who provide little defense, but can stretch defense, rebound, set screens and pass. And more importantly plays within his role as stretch four.

I just wonder whether low profile PF can be a solution for our PF problem. In first games Naz Reid has showed that he can fill some minutes at PF next to Gobert/Towns. If we trade Towns it will be Reid/Anderson/Minott/Miller who can fill that void with more shot opportunities for McDaniels. Not sure if rookie can handle this duty, I was impressed how Towns toyed with Olivier-Maxence Prosper in preseason game. I remember I thought that Miller or Minott would be abused as well if they start against Zion, Giannis, Tatum, Davis etc.

The thing is if we trade Karl we will get someone back for him. Maybe this should be in a trade thread but I would be willing to move him for these type of guys:

Mikal Bridges is the #1 type of guy I would love to get. ( Karl goes home and plays with his friend again Simmons)
Franz Wagner highly doubt Orlando would want to move him but Town with Banchero could be a better fit. (would love to get either Anthony or Suggs included)
Grant Williams is becoming a great 3/D PF and would make a prefect glue guy who can play in multiple lineups. ( Dallas gets a 3rd "Star")
O.G> Anunoby see above.
Chet Holmgren would be a pipedream for me but would make a great fit for our future (if he can stay health)

Agree. The only one on your list I don't like is Grant Williams (for Towns). He was instrumental in DAL wins and played way better than expected. I think Towns is worth more and also Grant will fate later in the year. If OKC starts losing, Holmgren is a possibility. They need a shot in the arm to jump start the SGA era.

[thinktank]

No chance OKC will give up Chet for KAT.

[Baseline81]

The thing is if we trade Karl we will get someone back for him. Maybe this should be in a trade thread but I would be willing to move him for these type of guys:

Mikal Bridges is the #1 type of guy I would love to get. ( Karl goes home and plays with his friend again Simmons)
Franz Wagner highly doubt Orlando would want to move him but Town with Banchero could be a better fit. (would love to get either Anthony or Suggs included)
Grant Williams is becoming a great 3/D PF and would make a prefect glue guy who can play in multiple lineups. ( Dallas gets a 3rd "Star")
O.G> Anunoby see above.
Chet Holmgren would be a pipedream for me but would make a great fit for our future (if he can stay health)

Honestly, I think the Wolves will find it difficult to receive any of those players outside of Williams. Unfortunately, Towns' stock has fallen and his contract isn't helping.

[Calinks]

Hoepfully Towns understand the amazing oppurtunity he has right now. He is basically in the position Wiggins was in when he got traded to Golden State. If he can figure out how to maximize his game in THIS current role, he will be an instrumental piece to this team. He has already been playing really good defense, he just needs to find a reliable offense and he absolutely talented enough to do that.

The only thing holding him back is himself. He has to accept that he may struggle for a while to find an offensive grove but he can still help this team tremendously by playing defense and rebounding. If he played great defense, grabbed rebounds, and just hit a few threes a game, but had zero stray voltage, he would be a key piece. This is his golden opportunity, he just needs to be mature enough to realize it.

Agree. I wish Towns plays more under control, but still aggressive. He really must cleanup those small mistakes such as hooking opponent on postup/drives, or ticky-tack fouls. A mistake free Towns can be is such a force for us. I compared him to Zach Randolph and Rasheed Wallace as physical PFs in defensive minded teams. I have just realized that he is both too big and too good as shooter for average PF. Whoever we trade Towns for will be either worse shooter, or undersized for PF.

Let say we trade Towns for Cam Johnson, PG prospect and picks. Cam Johnson is much better movement shooter, but he is nowhere near as rebounder, postup and passer guy.

Let say we trade Towns PG prospect and picks, and keep Anderson. With Anderson we might end up again in bottom NBA in rebounding. We might speed up Miller development, but he is such an inconsistent shooter right now.

I actually think we are making a real identity here, we are building a system and with that, I think we could actually find a good replacement for Towns. No they will not have his talent and star power but when you have an identity and system, it's much more about player fit than pure talent. Towns right now, is not a great fit, we could get a PF that wont be nearly as good as him as a player but a much better fit for our system.

That could raise our floor over what it is now but also lower our ceiling as that player won't be able to break out like Towns can. That said they will be much cheaper and easier to plug in and pull out of games when needed.

[Klomp]

If he played great defense, grabbed rebounds, and just hit a few threes a game, but had zero stray voltage, he would be a key piece. This is his golden opportunity, he just needs to be mature enough to realize it.

That's pretty high expectations for someone, if you just sit back and think about it. You're basically looking for perfection from him in order to label him as a key piece. We put up with weaknesses in everyone else, but for whatever reason demand perfection from Towns.

[Klomp]

I compared him to Zach Randolph and Rasheed Wallace as physical PFs in defensive minded teams. I have just realized that he is both too big and too good as shooter for average PF. Whoever we trade Towns for will be either worse shooter, or undersized for PF.

You are hitting the nail on the head here (hopefully that translates fine haha).

Even just what he is today even with the stray voltage and with the current shooting struggles is still a massive advantage that most teams simply cannot match up with. Trading away that advantage could be foolish, unless you get enough back in return where you can rebuild another advantage.

I've actually been thinking about those Pistons teams a lot, and the Grizzlies somewhat fit as well. They had an identity. But what often gets forgotten about having an identity is that you know what you are not as a team as well. Having an identity does not mean perfection in all areas. It means leaning into your advantage to a point where it overpowers whatever disadvantage you may have.

And worth noting....assistant coach Corliss Williamson was on those Flip-led Pistons teams and Finch has already credited Corliss with reworking the transition defense early this season.

[TimberKat]

As bad as Towns is on offense this year. His numbers this year are comparable to KLove in CLE and McHale in BOS (except for 3 years). Obviously, he needs to raise his shooting percentage but 18pts and 10 rb a game with good defense is still very good. He may not be the Wasp but I won't trade him for scraps. Look what Wizards for got Beal.

Maybe he just needs to go on a quick darkness retreat.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

[Calinks]

If he played great defense, grabbed rebounds, and just hit a few threes a game, but had zero stray voltage, he would be a key piece. This is his golden opportunity, he just needs to be mature enough to realize it.

That's pretty high expectations for someone, if you just sit back and think about it. You're basically looking for perfection from him in order to label him as a key piece. We put up with weaknesses in everyone else, but for whatever reason demand perfection from Towns.

I'm not looking for perfection. Just looking for him to take strides in that direction. I'm not even upset with him missing shots. I want him to cut down the mental anguish, play within the system. Don't pout on missed calls and allow fastbreak points, play with more control. He can have off nights and bad games, especially in this new role, but I don't want him killing the team with emotional outbursts.

[Calinks]

I also want to clarify, I think it sounded like earlier I was saying we don't need Towns to be good. That's not true, I think we still need his offense (and right now his defense and reboudning) to be a consistently good team. There will be nights where Ant can't go off, on those nights we will need more offense and that's where Towns comes in. If Ant was off in that Boston game, it would be an L. It took a tremendous effort from him to get us over the hump, we will need Towns to show up some nights to carry that offensive burden.

[cmoss84]

It's not that KAT isn't doing some good things...even when he is shooting poorly. The major question is...is the juice worth the squeeze? This is definitely a tight rope situation with trade ideas/timing/team chemistry. This decision could ultimately decide our playoffs hopes this year, as well as a large chunk of the future. I am glad I am not the GM!

[shrink]

I also want to clarify, I think it sounded like earlier I was saying we don't need Towns to be good. That's not true, I think we still need his offense (and right now his defense and reboudning) to be a consistently good team. There will be nights where Ant can't go off, on those nights we will need more offense and that's where Towns comes in. If Ant was off in that Boston game, it would be an L. It took a tremendous effort from him to get us over the hump, we will need Towns to show up some nights to carry that offensive burden.

Good post. And I might even be high enough on our bench depth to say we could be good without Towns. But if our goals are doing something in the playoffs, if we want to be great, we need KAT, and we need him to fix some of his problems!

I see us as being a team with the greatest margin of variance. We have a low floor, and showed it last year with all the losses to bad teams, the loss to TOR and the collapse in ATL. But we’ve also shown we have a high ceiling. Last year we had the second best record in the West against winning teams, and this year we have victories over DEN and BOS. This means we have talent. When we use it right, we can compete with anyone, when we use it wrong, we can lose to anyone.

Before the season, I would have been happy making the second round, and seeing growth in Ant and McDaniels for an upward trend to the team. After the start of the season, I want to see us in the Conference Finals and maybe more. To reach that height, we’ll need improvement everywhere, especially from KAT.

[Klomp]

We've seen Towns taking 3-pointers from deeper range than he used to. This really started in World Cup, but he has continued it. Here, I'm wondering if it could be a counter to facing smaller, quicker, more athletic forwards.