Is Karl-Anthony Towns a top-10 player in the NBA in 2020? Can he win an MVP in the future or lead a franchise to a championship? This detailed film breakdown & scouting report highlights how the Minnesota Timberwolves star might be the best outside shooting big man in NBA history and more while incorporating analytics & stats to assess his overall impact.
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Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
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I remember when towns was drafted for his defense
jeppep95 that’s true. He was a defensive player coming out
Well he isn't a bad defender anymore. But he's an elite, probably top 5 offensive player at 24 years old. His impact is underrated when his team isn't very good yet.
@@nanagotham1590 His defense was pretty good to post ASB last year but it hasn't been that great this year. I think he will pick it up again once healthy tho
What was weird is that him and Willie Cauley-Stein(who is a worse defender) were both viewed as plus defenders and they neither managed to become one
@@ShaunhanM really shows u that wingspan and jumping ability isn't the measuring tools of a good defensive center, habits/effort/IQ are just as important
There’s so many stars in the league today that mainstream media can’t report on all of them, thank you for everything you do. This is important work brother
True that and this guy also goes deeper in detail with the stats he provides compared to what the general public has access to. The time this guy disappears from YT is the time he gets hired by an NBA team.
RiP KAT’s mom fr
Hi Ben, could we have a video on DeMar DeRozan? He is in the middle of a historically efficient offensive streak at the moment and I wondered how you would say he has turned himself into a clearly above average efficiency offensive player.
That or Drose and his adjustments to his game
What is "historically efficient" about what he's doing? He's efficient this year, no doubt, but it's not like he's leading the league in TS% or PPP or anything.
@@burner1303 I assume you know what a streak is... He is averaging nearly 30ppg on nearly 70% TS over the last month.
This aint never gonna happen
I know. As a raptors fan i still think his years in Toronto were the best but right now he's having an historically efficient season. His game is so smooth and controlled and 22 ppg is still great but he has potential to do better.
One on Demar Derozan would be interesting
why ?
@@thisismarkbro He is a player with a pretty alternative playstyle in the modern NBA and opinions seem to vary wildly as to how good he is. I think an objective look would be very interesting.
I agree
@@ImBarryScottCSS the problem with DeMar is he's playing in the wrong era if he was in the 90s dude would be a superstar
Yess what did he change in his play style? Why is he reaching efficiency levels never before
Ben Taylor, you're one talented guy. Keep it up!
kzhead.info/sun/npWjZKiOsYKveok/bejne.html check it out let me what you think! Thanks
This is a great analysis. Really refreshing to watch something with some depth and basis in evidence, as opposed to the ignorant crap you get from the TV pundits or most fans parroting stuff about Towns being "soft" or "lazy" on defense. His problem isn't being lazy or soft- he has some SERIOUS defensive IQ and footwork/technique issues. He bites on fakes way too much. But there's also some things on defense he does well- there's just fewer of them, and they're not as significant or noticeable as the things he does poorly. And his offense is elite. He's never going to be an Anthony Davis or Joel Embiid, but he is and is likely to become more of a Dirk Nowitzki 2.0: not a great defender, but an absolutely game-changing offensive player.
Enai De A Lukal if you bite on fakes too much it’s because you either have low defensive iq or are lazy. You defeated your own point.
@@tenticklezz9537 lol you didn't read. He said he's not lazy but probably has a low defensive iq
So true. Towns is too reactive on defense and it's as if he's flailing too much
I think a video on why Kevin Love is no longer as good as his Minnesota Days. I'm a huge Kevin Love fan, but he has steadily dropped off, and seemingly not from lack of talent. Is it injuries, weight loss, play style, or the league itself that is changing? Also It would be nice to just give Love some credit for simly how great he was in his earlier years since a lot of people just write him off.
Well at first it was having to share with kyrie and lebron but honestly recently I think it's been a mix of injuries and lack of motivation
SUPER SAMMICH tbh would anybody be motivatd on that team stoææ think hes got lots in him
the nba has left many slower footed bigs in the dust too, he is a valuable catch and shoot player but can't create as much as is expected from all stars and guys making $40M/year
He sold out for his ring, got it. Now let's do what the Italians do and jus forget 'bout it! Next
@Brandon Martin He actually only makes 28 million this year.
Coming back to this video after he won the 3PT contest. Happy for KAT, well deserved.
Would love to see some analysis on the best defenders and or best rim protectors of all time similar to your scoring/playmaking podcasts. Great work!
He's kinda like how Harden was the first few years in Houston, him adding just a little defense put him up into the MVP discussion because his team did better and he also got better on offense.
He is the reason I'm still rooting for the Timberwolves every year pretty much.
Now that we got Wiggins out of there, I'm slightly more confident. Along with a really solid draft pick, I believe the Wolves will have some improvement soon
@@lukedovenmuehler19 they have three draft picks...
@@theretrosavage I'm referring to their own first round pick. I know they have their own and Brooklyn's, but what's the third one?
@@lukedovenmuehler19 an early second round...
Lmao ain’t winning shit with the management
Kat stabbed at the ball on Brogdon’s game-winning floater tonight. Thinking Basketball is on point
Yup lol
Amazing video. Very great work. A video about Bam Adebayo would be cool!
Great Video, hope you do more for other underrated players
Ive learned so much on how to dissect my own game/ and my opponents/buddies through this video.
The support structure around KAT has been awful on defense as well. He’s put in those positions too much. Hopefully that changes with these trades
Z11 Zen yeah and with his new team that he has of all elite three point shooters right now he’s like the center version of James harden and the old rockets
Man looking back on this comment when we traded for Gobert is pretty cool!
Can you please make a video on Marc Gasol his defensive IQ is inspiring
I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins an MVP in his career
Top notch video - thank you
I think that kat and Simmons with an army of 3 and D players could be the best team in the nba
Imagine if KAT had ben omfg dude
facts lol
Liberal Arts Student at UC Berkeley I have dreams about these boys teaming up.
D'Angelo Russell... towns and Devin Booker will wind-up on the Knicks...within two years
THE RETRO SAVAGE lmao keep dreaming
I would love a video on KD's offensive game. Top 3 offensive players already if not number 1. His skillset is on another level. He passes the eye test and his stats support this. I would love a breakdown of his offensive game.
What do you mean by already he is 31
@@domnicateodor306 Already at least top 3 in history
@@JoseSanchez-wg4bd bro i just remembered that but if im not mistaken thats a video from 16'. Slim reaper played bit different for gsw. Plus he was goatman on 2017 finals. KD was the VILLAIN in that series. I think a new video is necessary
I think he's the best scorer of all time
@@JoseSanchez-wg4bd you are right. My bad didn't remember that. However i believe this channel can go into a bit more detail with the stats
Ben, please make one of these long detailed video analyzing Matisse Thybulle’s sick Defense!
please mention demar derozan in your next 5 thoughts. He's averaging 29 on 62% shooting this month
He's a real life 2K player
He’s a playmaking glass cleaner cause he can create his own shot
a thinking basketball on my favorite player? sign me up!
i love your chill music. doesnt make me lose my goddamn mind like bballbreakdown
Haha accurate
voice also. coach nick is much closer to korzhemba.
i get what u mean, but i feel bball's breakdown music is also pretty nice in my opinion.
Was looking forward to this video, and gratified to see that you largely have the same conclusions about Towns that I do. I'm especially glad that someone's finally calling out his passing, it's an underrated part of what makes him so good on offense. Now if only he had some more reliable teammates...
He does offer the most value in playmaking for his team because he has more options to score at different spots of the half court. The passing numbers just come along that way with playing the offense through him. Jokic offers similar comparison to some extent though he arguably has better court vision. However Jokic also has Jamal Murray and a squad of cutters/corner shooters that KAT doesn't so his better angles for those looks pays off for the team more frequently.
Hey dude why don't you post the podcasts on here? I would definitely listen to them on YT but I don't really use pod specific platforms.
7:08 That's a football move bro.
CB speed turn, completely right!
Great analysis! I was just discussing KAT and we concluded exactly what you said. The man can score no argument there. Its his defensive effort and really his attitude that is his downfall. I believe that JThe Jokeris a better version of KAT because he does it all and helps his team to WINS. KAT is just a good scorer who will not necessarily be the difference in games. Evident when Butler was there and when he left, they still had Wiggins and Russell yet with him as NO.1 that team just sucked.
Great analysis, I've been watching Timberwolves game this season because of him. He's such an underrated player.
Nice video
Hi Ben! Love your content as always. Would it be possible for you to do a video on Khris Middleton? Narratives on him has been "not good enough for 2nd star, borderline all star, on the team with best record in nba" But i do not agree watching all of his games. Also seeing stats comparison vs Klay, it is intriguing to see Middleton is much more efficient shooter than Klay!! Middleton does so much more for bucks this year on the court (not just shooting) and I am really curious to find out what's your view on him. Thanks!
Did you watch him in the playoffs last season? He was taken off in some games where he wasn't going off simply because he can't put the ball on the floor and create his own shot. This was apparent in the Raps series where they dared Giannis to do damage and hope the rest of his team can keep up. But they can't when outside of Kawhi, you had Siakam and Lowry who can handle the ball and score. Also I'll still take Klay because he still does well while spending most of his time guarding the opposing teams best perimeter scorer. Plus on a very good night Klay can go off for 40+ points and that production can keep his team in the game.
@@t4d0W I didn't ask for your opinion, which is garbage. No thanks.
@@sophies5640 Glad to know you don't watch any games to form your own critical opinions. Keep slurping up those highlights.
@@t4d0W i see that last game you watched is last year's playoff. Again, DO NOT WANT YOUR GARBAGE, so stop bothering me. You Ignorant...
i remember K love hitting step back 3s in the playoffs leading up to the 16 finals
Who are you're 3 All-NBA Cs? KAT, Embiid, Jokic, Gobert, & AD have all made it in the past and are playing very well this year.
RedWood I think AD will be voted in as a power forward. He’s played the majority of his minutes there. I think KAT is a top 3 nba center but won’t get an all-nba spot due to lack of team success.
Embiid & AD are locks. Kat team is trash and jokics is good so jokic is probably 3rd tho I think there’s an argument for Kat being better than jokic.
Im here for dis.
That was awesome
His three point shot is so damn clean. Shortest motion I've ever seen, which means it's more reproducible
Video title made me lol 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Who’s here after what KAT said
A vid on Ja Morant and the Grizz would be cool
This may sound far fetched but imo his play style is very similar to that of dirk, minus the one legged fade away. I know people would point to porzingis, but I've watched all 3 of them play a lot of times and I just think dirk had a lot more similar post moves and drives with KAT than KP. It wouldnt be a bad idea if he tries to get dirk to coach him a little and try to copy that fade away.
Dirk was a better scorer in general. Better mid range game , got to the free throw line more and with a better %, better footwork, etc.
In my opinion, with his physical capabilities, he should be modelling his defensive game after marc gasol. Not particularly agile nor airborne but possesses the discipline and defensive IQ to be a defensive anchor.
Interesting you think he could become a slight negative with his defense in playoff games where they typically slow down in pace. Wouldn't that favour his better post defense?
Please do one abt Demars crazy streak
Great vid, but can u do a video on Anthony davis
this videos >>>>
Please can you do a video on JOSH OKOGIE and JORDAN NWORA. THANKS
Do one on Evan Fourier
Yeah I had Towns as a top 10 guy this year with the absence of Curry and Durant and with the possible setbacks on Embiid and Jokic. But it looks Jokic is playing in top level form the past month or so and Embiid (at least prior to his finger injury) was continuing his progress, though a downgrade from his last season performance so far. KAT was also side lined but offensive wise he is making huge progress as a scoring threat. If his defense doesn't improve hopefully his passing and vision continues to improve to add value to his team. Because what would help rosters that build with him is having length at the 1-4 to help make those stops a the perimeter and helping off switches.
BludAardvark Embiid is still well above him not even close really and embiid will be a all start starter whereas Kat may not even make the reserves.
What music do you use
another interesting player breakdown would be bam adebayo. he could jump out the gym and is a good passer
My favourite center 😊
7:09 that’s a football move
Who is better over all, K. Love wolves or KA right now?
Do this on analysis on Artis Gilmore and Wilt Chamberlain.
Are we taking into account experience when athletes enter "prime of career"? A 4 year guy at college and a 23 year old who got drafted at 20 in the first round would be "nearing prime career" but at totally different places
If he gets leaner and stronger in his core, he could be one of the best of the generation. But he isn't strong enough on defense, and that is more problematic for a Center, than a guard.
I think a bigger concern is his iq and positioning judging from the video
@@jetmirlekiqi7963 He isn't getting low enough though, either effort, conditioning or strength. Like he could be quicker a lot of the time, but he doesn't have the defensive energy to slide his feet
@@Unreelme I agree, he seems so agile on offense, similar to AD. Weird how it hasn't translated to defense. I like his post defense, even though he gets bullied from time to time
@@Unreelme KAT has had knee problems all season long. Hes been limping up and down the court trying to get this garbage team wins.
@@andrewk1037 Why isn't he resting then, that seems fucked up, they aren't going to make the playoffs and the team plays ok with giant contract Dieng in the game.
Now what if KAT and Giannis teamed up... Towns would run the risk of being an overqualified Brook Lopez in offensive role but there is a lot of complimentary potential on both sides of the ball.
You speaking about towns not being mvp levels and yet rating him incredibly high in most metrics makes me curious. Perhaps you could do a series about previous mvps and how they merited mvp status? Lebron is still a monster on all stations but how would he have been rated on your metrics in his championship and mvp years? Id love to see that. For other players too. Also my son's name is Ben. Based partly on the fact ive never 'met' or met a Ben i didnt like. Thanks for keeping it up
He makes it pretty obvious in the video that he thinks KAT is a bang average defender. That automatically disqualifies you from MVP discussion (although sadly not in real MVP voting). When you say 'incredibly high in most metrics' you are choosing to ignore literally half of the game of basketball.
@@ImBarryScottCSS several average or below average defenders have won mvp, granted they weren't centers but still.
Think about it this way ad Giannis even embiid are all better two way overall players than Kat. Harden is a better offensive player than Kat so in order for Kat to be mvp he has to have offense better than harden/Luka and even then Giannis probably wins since he’s a two way player. He’s a solid 7 guys down or so.
At least from last decade the regular season MVP winners were either very dominant on offense displaying amazing court vision or provided equal dominance on both ends of the floor (Westbrook, Heat Lebron, Giannis). Steph has the shooting but the man attracts gravity like no other even without the ball. KD will get his even as a mid range threat because only a handful players can actually try freeze him when he's pulling up. Harden's ability to kill you one on one and draw contact is historically dominant. And hell at their best Giannis and Heat Lebron were absolute monsters when given space out in the open either in half court or transition that nobody could easily defend. You can see this in the eye test as well. KAT may be elite in some parts of his offensive game but is still lacking overall. He doesn't attack and finish with contact in comparison to some these guys and doesn't attract as much gravity.
@@t4d0W That's opinion. Not that I don't agree with it, but I watch this guy for the insightful statistical analysis, cuz, no offense of course, every one has an opinion
Can you do a video on lonzo ball recent success on the pels?
Because dirk and love were post scoring bigs that could shoot. Kat is a shooter who can post up.
Dirk in general was both a great shooter and post up player . He actually has much higher shooting% across the boards than towns when you look at 3pt%’s, mid range %’s and free throw %
i love these individual players and their games videos and i think he should give each player he talks about in these videos a 2k rating :) like so he can see this !!
"It's so deadly it should be banned in some states..." - Ben That had me DYING. Great work. Keep it up!
That’s not funny buddy
I really do hope the wolves can pull off a trade for Simmons. They are a damn near perfect fit as Simmons compensates for KAT’s defense while KAT compensates for Simmons’s inability to shoot
I appreciate KAT's game more now, I thought he was kinda soft but hes not. I think he lacks strength, I think he should get stronger legs & have more muscles in his upper body so he doesnt get pushed out of position in the post. He can add finesse moves in the post like Dirk or wing players wit fadaways & pullup middys but he has power moves lke a traditional big, he just has to have more dog in him, embrace physicality more & get stronger. Sky's the limit for KAT, he can be the GOAT, has the potential to have the off the dribble skills as a wing player, be a Curry/Klay 3 shooter & has potential to even be a great defender. KAT should try to practice ball in the summer time at Rucker Park or Drew League, he needs more grit in his game but his skillset is off the chart
So should towns be a power forward?
How about one on CJ? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how he fits with dame and if he can ever make it to all star level.
Can you do a video on Lonnie walker iv pls
3:20...sponsor plug!? “He Audibles to the middle and it’s a great read” 😂
Yup. I just think he has weak lower body strength which results in him not being able to stand his ground, move in a low stance that well, and sometimes bad footwork trying to recover from a bad situation. He used to bite on every shot fake and get into foul trouble very often, but now he has slightly improved on that field. His rim protection is ok, but his drop coverage is what burns the entire team against good midrange/pullup shooters like Kawhi, PG, Mitchell, heck even Chris Paul. But then again, I think it goes back to his lower body strength because once he is in a bad stance, it takes a long time to recover from it resulting in a foul. I think he has the eagerness to play defense, but his bad habits and strength issues are what limit him from being an elite defender imo.
Cool bro
ayo that block at 2:35 by ben simmons is fucking insane
You must do one on Ja Morant. Please senpai!
he'd be GSW dream center
alot of top teams dream center lol
He can replace Brook Lopez on the Bucks when Brook starts declining. Though thats a big shoe to fill.
I'm interested in what you think of Zach Lavine. I am very down on him and think the Bulls should trade him for anything and rebuild.
tjskelly100 wtf y
Do one on Morant
What does "audibles to the middle" mean? 3:20/9:02
@@user-wv2qd1vs2h that makes no sense
He is so shit on by nba media and fans everywhere, this dudes been elite since like day 1
Who would you say is the better defender between him and jokic?
Jokic by a mile
Would love to see KAT in Atlanta. Nate McMillan would be able to help his defense
Dirk Nowitzki: Am I a joke to you???
Stats dont lie, KAT is a better shooter
Mark HenDerson They don’t lie. Karl Anthony Towns has never shot 50/40/90 lol. Dirk has a clear higher mid range and free throw % with towns only having a slight 1% advantage in 3’s. One was winning finals MVPs against a big 3 Miami team; the other is averaging garbage time stats on a losing team lol. Stats don’t lie LOL.
Mark HenDerson In the playoffs it’s not even close with towns having a 73% free throw and a 27% 3pt while dirk is shooting 89% from the line and 36% from 3 in the post season LOL
Diego Velazquez kat made the playoffs once
Towns is a solid 1on1 defender but a terrible pick and roll defender but his coach just makes him sag which is trouble but I cant blame first year Saunders.
Why was dirk in the center’s shooting 3’s graph he played power forward
He was mainly a 4 but every now and then he would play the 5. Usually when the Mavs went to their small line up he would rotate down to 5 and the Matrix would play the 4.
James Harden: Tank Mode
Dont know if this make issue, but most of his defense flaw highlights are against like Kawhi... but im agree that he sucks against bigs that have good footwork
Karl will be better at PF and get a defensive mindset Center
the devs of the nba games should hire you to assign the player's ability values
Is that graph at 1:44 really saying Channing Frye was shooting 12 three's a game at 41% in 2016? Cause I don't think that's accurate.
Per 100 possesions.I believe that was '17 Frye .'16 Frye was at 37.7% with 13 attempts per 100pos
KAT to Bucks would be so cool. He is amazing, shooting 3s like a madman.
Lol no it wouldn't the bucks would need a guy like brook lopez at center who is a elite defensive beast.
MVP!
We need a deep dive on Ja Morant
Best Center in the league 🚫🧢
Do a Zion video
K.A.T is a 40% career 3PT shooter😮😮😮
Can you do one on Damian Lillard
please do one on kevin durant!
He's not even playing?
He's the most efficient scoring big of all time. As an overall scorer of 20ppg or more he's second only to Curry. The play for Towns in FA or trade is going to change the league. He's KD at the 5. All he needs is a four who can defend. Aaron Gordon or any Draymond like player is desperately needed.