Karl-Anthony Towns Expected To Be Named NBA Rookie Of The Year
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA had a reasonably talented class of rookies heading into the 2015-16 season. The Minnesota Timberwolves appeared to have landed the most talented player in the 2015 NBA Draft in Karl-Anthony Towns followed by other talented players D’Angelo Russell (Los Angeles Lakers), Jahlil Okafor (Philadelphia 76ers), and Kristaps Porzingis (New York Knicks).
Needless to say, Towns had his work cut out for him heading into his first season in the league regarding earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors. Despite being the favorite from the word go, Towns had some stiff competition.
Fortunately for the Kentucky product, Towns appears to have exceeded expectations in Minnesota while outshining his fellow rookies. The Timberwolves star is expected to be named this season’s Rookie of the Year on Monday, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
The Wolves announce a Monday morning news conference in which they're expected to formally announce Karl-Anthony Towns as Rookie of the Year
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 15, 2016
Along with beating out the competition for the distinction as this season’s top rookie, Towns may be in select category with his name being synonymous with NBA MVP Stephen Curry, via Stein:
Instinct tells me 2015-16 will be recorded as the first-ever NBA season in which both Rookie of the Year and MVP were unanimous selections.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 15, 2016
Although it would be an impressive feat to be the unanimous Rookie of the Year, it wouldn’t be the first time it has occurred in the NBA. Damian Lillard (2013), Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990), and Ralph Sampson (1984) all earned the same distinction during their first season in the league.
In 82 games for the Timberwolves, Towns averaged 18.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. An impressive stat line to say the least for a player two years removed from high school.
