Scouting Report: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Kentucky
Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
No combine, no individual workouts, no big deal for the likely No. 1 pick in the draft.
After chasing Jahlil Okafor for the top spot for most of the season, a strong NCAA tournament performance and improving offensive game has solidified Karl-Anthony Towns as the near-consensus top prospect for 2015. There's nothing the Kentucky center doesn't do well, there's plenty he does at an elite level, and while the Minnesota Timberwolves are thought to be the only team not entirely sold on him being better than Okafor, it's a safe bet he ultimately hears his name called first by Adam Silver on June 25.
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | 1 | 6' 11.25" | 250 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7' 3.25" | 9' 1" | 36.5 | N/A | N/A |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | BPG | FG% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 10.3 | 6.7 | 2.3 | 56.6% | 81.3% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: The defensive end is where Towns earned the most acclaim and holds an appreciable edge over Okafor, as the rangy near-7-footer is a confusingly unbelievable athlete for his size. He's almost entirely unique in that sense, a rare blend of size and athleticism with excellent shot-blocking instincts, the mobility to guard a wide radius and multiple positions, and solid rebounding chops. His offensive game came along as the season progressed - his numbers are muted by Kentucky's platoon system - and he stands to be quite a versatile piece there, too. He can establish deep post position well and eventually began to embrace contact, a smart proposition given his incredible free-throw shooting. That shooting touch extends far from the paint, too, and he projects as a floor-spacer who can also create for himself off the bounce with further refinement. He's going to be a phenomenally interesting and productive player on both ends.
Weaknesses: This is a tough one, as there are few weaknesses on the ledger. He could stand to bulk up some, as most college bigs could, and his offensive game remains a work in progress. He also fouled at far too high a rate, something Kentucky was fine with given their depth, and he'll have to play a bit more conservatively in the NBA.
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What to Expect on Draft Day
Would the Wolves dare roll the dice and pass up a player that 29 other teams see as the best in the draft? It's possible, and president and head coach Flip Saunders is said to really like Okafor, but Towns should be the top pick. Whether that means Minnesota trades down a spot - they shouldn't, as Towns is a great fit with the core they've built - or they ultimately come to see the debate as most do is unclear, but rest assured, if Towns isn't off the board at No. 1, the Los Angeles Lakers will gladly capitalize on that potential mistake.