As the NBA Draft draws closer, Karl-Anthony Towns remains among the top prospects available. The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the No. 1 pick while the Los Angeles Lakers own No. 2. It would be hard to imagine Towns falling past the Lakers should the Timberwolves pass him by.
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Towns and his agent are well confident of his draft stock and overall ability. The former Kentucky product only made himself available to the Timberwolves and Lakers for interviews. When asked by Jonathan Gilvony of Draft Express if he preferred either of the two teams, Towns showed indifference and said he just wanted to be in the NBA:
As a little kid, you always just want to be part of the NBA, the greatest fraternity in the world. That’s all I want to do. I just want to be able to have my name play in the NBA and be able to wear a jersey with my name on the back. That’s the biggest thing, I don’t care where I play. I could play anywhere. As long as I have a home, I can’t wait to play for that home.”
While it was reported Towns wouldn’t be working out for teams, he has been training in a private facility in Los Angeles. His Kentucky teammate Willie-Cauley Stein and Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell have also been with Towns during those sessions. Towns also mentioned in the interview he wouldn’t mind showing teams his talent in person.
Scouts and draft experts love the upside Towns brings due to his athleticism and defensive upside. Towns averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks while playing 21.1 minutes on a talented roster. He especially impressed during the NCAA Tournament helping the Wildcats reach the Final Four.
Towns would be a welcomed addition for the Lakers who desperately need some help down low. The Lakers could also draft Duke’s Jahlil Okafor should the Timberwolves take Towns.
[divide]Draft Profile: Karl-Anthony Towns