On Thursday morning Max Kellerman and Stephen A. Smith of ESPN’s First Take debated who could overtake LeBron James as the NBA’s best player.
Kellerman is a firm believer that the next man who could surpass King James is Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns.
“He can close out on shooters, switch on guys defensively,” said Kellerman. “He can play the post, play defense in the post, shoot the three, score down low and pass the ball.”
https://youtu.be/8hLQc10j_N0?t=2m10s
Kellerman does note that Towns is still a few years away from being on the same level as LeBron and that LeBron will be the best in the league for, “as long as he wants to be.”
Smith disagreed with Kellerman and believes Kevin Durant can be the league’s next-best player.
This isn’t the first time ESPN has compared the greatness between Towns and James. Back in May, ESPN Insider said Towns is the best prospect in the NBA since James debuted in 2003.
In September Sports Illustrated said Karl-Anthony Towns is No. 23 on their list of the top 100 players in the NBA.
Towns is entering just his second season in the NBA and was the unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year last year averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 54 percent from the floor..
The former No. 1 pick in the NBA draft is just 20 years old, though he’ll turn 21 next month.
The Timberwolves open their regular season on Oct. 26 against the Memphis Grizzlies.
