Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns is an American center who has established himself as one of the most versatile big men in NBA history since being drafted first overall in 2015. He spent nine seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to the New York Knicks, where he won an NBA championship in 2026.

Born Karl-Anthony Towns Jr. on November 15, 1995, in Edison, New Jersey, he is the son of Karl Towns Sr., who played basketball at Monmouth University, and Jacqueline Cruz, who is Dominican. He grew up in Piscataway, New Jersey, and attended St. Joseph High School, where he led the team to three straight state titles. He reclassified to the class of 2014 and committed to Kentucky under John Calipari.

At Kentucky, Towns averaged 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in a platoon system and helped the Wildcats reach the Final Four. He declared for the 2015 NBA draft, and the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him with the first overall pick. He was named the 2015-16 Rookie of the Year.

In Minnesota, Towns became a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection. He became the first center to win the NBA Three-Point Contest in 2022. He led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals in 2024, their first appearance in 20 years. After nine seasons, he was traded to the New York Knicks before the 2024-25 season and helped the Knicks win the 2026 NBA Finals, their first championship in 53 years.

Towns is a modern offensive center with elite three-point shooting, post moves, and passing vision. He scores from all three levels, stretches defenses with his perimeter shooting, and uses his size to rebound and protect the rim. His offensive versatility and basketball IQ have made him one of the most unique players at his position.

Towns enters each season as a championship-winning star and one of the premier big men in the league. His trajectory from a New Jersey high school to a Kentucky standout, a first overall pick, and an NBA champion reflects extraordinary skill development, shooting excellence, and a commitment to expanding the boundaries of what a center can do.