Feb 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward
Karl-Anthony Towns(12) drives to the basket as Florida Gators forward
Dorian Finney-Smith(10) defends during the first half at Stephen C. O
2. Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky Wildcats
NBA Comparison: Chris Webber, Retired
Position: Power Forward, Center
Age: 19
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 250 pounds, 7’3″
2014-15 Slash Line: .553/.250/.798
2014-15 Season Averages: 20.3 MPG, 9.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.1 APG, 2.4 BPG
Karl-Anthony Towns of the Kentucky Wildcats is the top upside prospect of the 2015 NBA Draft. He hasn’t put it all together just yet, but his raw physical ability and immaculate skill set is undeniably intriguing.
If Jahlil Okafor is off the board, Towns is the best possible option for the New York Knicks.
Towns’ skill-set is perfect for the Triangle Offense, as he’s a skilled passer who can go back-to-the-basket, face up, convert from mid-range and crash the offensive boards. Defensively, he’s an elite shot-blocker who can control the pace of a game with that skill alone.
In terms of his upside, Towns compares favorably to a player New York will likely be pursuing in free agency: Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Offensively, Towns can work out of the pinch post and has the potential to be a top-tier threat from the low block. Defensively, he’ll patrol the paint and defend every zone on the floor with his length and lateral quickness—much like Gasol.
If Gasol doesn’t do it for you, Towns is reminiscent of another great big man: Chris Webber.
One comparison or another, Towns would be a great fit to anchor the Triangle Offense.
Next: The No. 1 Prospect