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2016 NBA Rookie Rankings: Where did Mario Hezonja Finish?

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) goes up for a layup in the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) goes up for a layup in the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Karl-Anthony Towns

Previous Rank: 1

Twitter polls can be revealing. On a recent one that came across the feed, Karl-Anthony Towns was chosen over Anthony Davis as a franchise player (65 percent of votes going to Towns). That really speaks to the fact everyone realizes he is a guy that does not need a lot of development.

His game is fundamentally sound and Towns plays within himself. He is also a superb defender, one of many great bigs to come out of John Calipari’s tutelage.

Towns led all rookies in PER at 22.6, while averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Towns was very efficient. He hit 54.2 percent from the field, while also knocking down 34.1 percent from 3-point range with more than one attempt per game.

His value as a floor stretching big man is one of Towns’ most attractive features. He can step out comfortably to operate in the high post, and he has the players around him to finish after he hooks them up. Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine are both high flying threats at the rim.

Towns and the Timberwolves made big strides this year, but it was still just a 29-win season for them. Many feel if the Wolves can keep this core together they will develop into a very tough team. And the roster is attracting top-end coaches as they search for a new leader on the bench.

The Western Conference is still top-heavy, too, so sneaking in as a seven or eight seed is within the reach of Minnesota even next year. Towns will continue to improve, and his skill set is perfect for the new era the NBA has entered.

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