The Minnesota Timberwolves made history Thursday night in more ways than one. The Wolves selected Kentucky big-man Karl-Anthony Towns with the first pick in the NBA Draft and made a big splash when they traded up with Cleveland to bring Tyus Jones home.
Despite the Timberwolves struggles over the last 10 years, Towns becomes the first player drafted by the Wolves with the No. 1 overall pick in the franchise’s 26 years. But he will be the third consecutive No. 1 pick on the Timberwolves roster.
Minnesota acquired the last two top picks – Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett – in the trade that sent Kevin Love to Cleveland.
He seems motivated to help the Wolves end their long playoff drought.
Welcome to the Pack, @KarlTowns! #GrowTogether https://t.co/er2ZGROKiV
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 26, 2015
It’s his athleticism that makes Towns special. ESPN’s Sports Science explains just what kind of special talent he is.
The NBA draft is just hours away! @Sport_Science digs into the athletic ability of Karl-Anthony Towns. http://t.co/smpUqF3G0E
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 25, 2015
Towns’ ability to defend the rim should help the Wolves defense, which is in desperate need of improvement. According to the Pioneer Press, Minnesota ranked 30th in the league in defensive rating at 112.2, two points behind the second-worst team the Los Angeles Lakers at 110.6.
Despite being just 19 years old, Towns’ game is well-rounded. At Kentucky he was named the 2015 SEC Freshman of the Year and was instrumental in the team’s undefeated regular season.
He averaged 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. He led the team with 88 blocks and also excelled as a shooter, converting nearly 82 percent of his free throws.
He is the third Kentucky Wildcat to be drafted at number one.
Another No. 1 pick? You better believe it. @KarlTowns goes No. 1 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves. #SucceedAndProceed #NBADraft
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) June 25, 2015
Towns will come in and have the opportunity to play with a talented young core highlighted by Wiggins, last year’s rookie of the year.
But as 1500 ESPN notes, the Wolves also have pieces around them with Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine, Shabazz Muhammad and Gorgui Dieng.
He also will have the opportunity to learn from another player the Wolves drafted as a teenager 21 years ago – Kevin Garnett. ESPN says assuming Garnett returns, he’ll be asked to help mentor Towns.
“To have a legend like KG to be your mentor is going to be amazing,” Towns told ESPN before the draft. “It’s going to be a blessing, it’s going to be an honor to be under his tutelage and grow with him and the team.”
Tyus Jones returns home
Minnesota then sent the 31st and 36th picks to Cleveland to land Jones at No. 24.
Yes: Wolves get Tyus Jones from Cleveland with 24th pick for picks Nos. 31 and 36
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) June 26, 2015
The selection completed the draft for the Wolves with Towns and the former Apple Valley standout.
Jones helped to lead Duke to the NCAA National Championship. He averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Blue Devils and scored 23 points and hit some big shots in the second half to lead the Blue Devils to the title.
Minnesotans are excited about their draft picks.
Wow! Towns AND Tyus Jones? Go @MNTimberwolves! #NBADraft2015
— Patrick Kessler (@PatKessler) June 26, 2015
Target Center just exploded at the announcement of reported @Tyusjones06 trade to the @MNTimberwolves
— Dave Benz (@davebenz) June 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/trejones03/status/614258884828655616
