Karl-Anthony Towns
Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Remember when the Minnesota Timberwolves decided to shake up the roster due to financial implications? That brought Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Chris Finch’s rotation. Both of them have taken time to gel, while being mentioned in trade conversations. Karl-Anthony Towns, the guy that left, is now in the MVP conversation.
Could former Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns win an MVP?
There was never going to be an easy way to watch Karl-Anthony Towns leave the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was a former first overall pick. He had a special relationship with former coach Flip Saunders. Now that the band-aid has been ripped off, he’s a full-on New York Knick. Former hooper Kendrick Perkins thinks he’s worthy of top recognition too.
KAT has definitely entered into the Top 5 early MVP conversation.
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) December 10, 2024
Through his first 22 games this season, it’s hard to argue against Perkins. The big man is averaging 25.1 points per game (2nd best of career). He’s shooting 53.1% from the field and a career-best 44.7% from deep. His 13.3 rebounds per game are a career-high, and his 60% effective field goal percentage is another best.
The sportsbooks are putting him on the map as well.
Neither sportsbook has agreed with Perkins’ assessment thus far. Both see Towns as a legitimate contender, but there is a further level of proof needing to be shown in the pudding. The Knicks are 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 15-9 record. Towns can certainly elevate his status by pushing them higher.
Karl-Anthony Towns DUNKS it on the Hornets!!! pic.twitter.com/2jLUfnUVWN
— Alex B. (@KnicksCentral) December 6, 2024
Related: Report: NBA Teams View Discontent Minnesota Timberwolves Guard as Possible Trade Candidate
It remains to be seen what Towns finishes like during his first season with the Knicks, but there’s no doubt he has put his best foot forward.
Where does Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards stand in MVP rankings?
Back in September it was Perkins suggesting that Anthony Edwards was on the precipice of his first MVP award. That got off to a rocky start with the Timberwolves coming out of the gate slow. They have since turned it around and the young phenom is still well-positioned.
Edwards has averaged a career-best 26.4 points per game this season. It has been imperative for him to pick up the offensive effort with Towns gone. His counting stats are largely the same, but with 10.5 three-point attempts per game, he is letting it fly. Thankfully that has translated to a career-high 42.7% from deep.
WE ARE HOOPING HOOPING. 👌 pic.twitter.com/5GlZH7gWJx
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 7, 2024
If Edwards can continue to make the more significant impact, and stretch the defense, it will be hard for him to slide down the conversation. Last season he finished seventh in the MVP voting, and a rise up the rankings makes sense.
Related: Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards for MVP?
Minnesota needs Edwards to continue on as their superstar. It’s a lot of responsibility for a young player, but he is also among the most dynamic across the entire league.
Mentioned in this article: Anthony Edwards Karl-Anthony Towns More About:Minnesota Timberwolves News