New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns Changing NBA

What Makes Towns Special?

Karl-Anthony Towns has the potential to be the Tim Duncan of his era. Though he’s capable of dominating in a seemingly infinite number of ways, he keeps it simple and doesn’t make the game more complicated than it needs to be.

It’s only fitting that Towns’ unanimous selection as the 2016 Rookie of the Year was the result of a Duncan-like first season in the NBA.

Towns became the eighth rookie in NBA history to average at least 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks* per game. The previous seven rookies to do it were Elton Brand, Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Ralph Sampson.

For perspective, Towns also made 30 3-point field goals as a rookie, while the other seven players combined for one.

Beyond the numbers, Towns has elite size, length, and athleticism, as well as a strong frame that can absorb contact. He’s capable of going to the post, spotting up from 3-point range, attacking off the bounce, handling the ball in transition, controlling the boards, and dominating defensively.

Simply put: what makes Towns special is that he does everything a big man is supposed to do and everything a perimeter player can, too.

*Blocks weren’t an officially recorded statistic in the NBA until 1973-74.