Karl-Anthony Towns
Dominican American center for the New York Knicks, 2015 NBA first overall pick, and 2016 Rookie of the Year.
Karl-Anthony Towns Jr. (born November 15, 1995), also known by his initials KAT, is a Dominican American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was named to the Dominican Republic national team as a 16-year-old and played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was selected with the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Draft Year
- 2015
- Draft Position
- 1st Overall Pick
- College
- University of Kentucky
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Towns was named the Rookie of the Year for the 2015–16 season. He is second on the Timberwolves' all-time scoring list. He led the team to the Western Conference finals in 2024, their first appearance in 20 years. After spending nine seasons with the Timberwolves, Towns was traded to the Knicks before the 2024–25 season. He was instrumental in helping the Knicks win the 2026 NBA Finals, their first championship win in 53 years. He is a four-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Team member, and won the NBA Three-Point Contest in 2022.
In Their Own Story
The 2016–17 season showcased Towns' expanding offensive arsenal and record-breaking efficiency. On November 30, he recorded a then-career-high 47 points and 18 rebounds against the New York Knicks, becoming the third-youngest player in three decades to hit those marks. That same year, he made NBA history as the only player ever to record at least 2,000 points (2,061), 1,000 rebounds (1,007), and 100 three-pointers (101) in a single season. His defensive presence was equally notable; he set a franchise record with his 27th consecutive game recording at least one blocked shot on December 3. By April 11, 2017, he had surpassed Kevin Love for the franchise's single-season scoring record, cementing his status as the team's primary offensive engine.
Reader's Guide
Towns played and started in all 82 games for the Timberwolves in 2015–16, averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game; he subsequently earned unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year honors. He earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors in each of the season's six months. He also earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. In his sophomore season, he recorded a then career-high 47 points and 18 rebounds on November 30, 2016, and his first career triple-double on December 28, 2016.
Did You Know?
- Towns was born in Edison, New Jersey to an African-American father and a Dominican mother.
- He was selected at age 16 to play on the Dominican Republic national basketball team.
- He recorded a quadruple-double in high school on January 6, 2013, with 16 points, 17 rebounds, 11 blocks and 11 assists.
- Towns studied kinesiology in his one year at Kentucky and hopes to become a doctor after his basketball career.
- He won the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge, becoming the tallest, heaviest, and youngest winner of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Karl-Anthony Towns?
Born in New Jersey, this Dominican American athlete became a franchise icon after being chosen as the top selection in the 2015 NBA draft following his time at Kentucky.
What role did Karl-Anthony Towns play on the team?
Towns served as a versatile offensive force capable of scoring from deep while also dominating the boards. He set franchise records early, including becoming the youngest player since Kevin Durant to record 30 points and 10 rebounds in a game.
How did Karl-Anthony Towns's tenure with Minnesota end?
After nine years, his time concluded following a historic playoff run where he guided the franchise to its first Western Conference finals appearance in two decades. This achievement marked the peak of his contribution before departing the organization.
Why is Karl-Anthony Towns important to Wolves history?
He holds the distinction of being the only player to win NBA Unanimous Rookie of the Year honors while representing Minnesota during the 2015–16 season. His presence revitalized the team's competitiveness and established new standards for performance within the franchise.
What were Karl-Anthony Towns's draft details?
Towns entered the league as the number one selection in the 2015 NBA draft following his collegiate career at Kentucky. This high profile entry immediately positioned him as the cornerstone for rebuilding the Timberwolves roster.
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