No. 2: Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
KAT has a number of things going for him in terms of his fit with the Blazers. Most importantly, through, his offensive game meshes perfectly with those of Henderson and Sharpe. The trio could unlock each other’s potential on that side of the floor to give the Trail Blazers one of the most dynamic offenses in the NBA.
Even in fewer than three quarters of summer league action, Scoot showed he’s wise and patient beyond his years as the ball handler in a pick-and-roll; he plays at his own pace, waits for the defense to commit and then makes his move.
Towns and Henderson could become one of the league’s deadliest duos in the P&R. KAT would be able to flourish as a roll man or give Scoot space to attack the basket in a pick-and-pop scenario. He would also be able to stand near the three-point line and run dribble-handoffs with either Henderson or Sharpe, making the defense commit to stopping either guard or staying at home on the perimeter with Towns. Good luck stopping both.
Although he’s never developed into a major rim-deterrent, the three-time All-Star and 2023 3-point Contest winner has averaged 1.3 blocks per game over his career.
KAT is 27 – which would put him at 30 years old when Scoot and Shaedon have played three and four years in the league, respectively – and is about to start an admittedly large four-year contract. But the big man would be around when Portland’s future backcourt begins to officially morph into the unstoppable duo we all hope it will be.
One more thing: it’s going to be difficult for the Timberwolves to continue with a roster on which Towns, Rudy Gobert and now Naz Reid – three centers – make $90 million combined and Minnesota should be handing the keys to Anthony Edwards as the franchise centerpiece.
Something has to change for the T-Wolves, and Towns’ name was already tossed around in rumors before the draft.