After two years of impressive playoff showings and earning First Team All-Tournament in the FIBA World Cup, there’s an expectation that Anthony Edwards is now the Minnesota Timberwolves’ next franchise centerpiece. Critics expect Karl-Anthony Towns to finally take a backseat as the team’s focal point. But considering Towns’ play when healthy, why should this be the time for him to take a step back?
Towns has acknowledged Edwards’ immense potential numerous times already, being oblivious to Edwards’ talent would be a mistake. During the offseason, Towns went on Paul George’s podcast and praised his teammate. Towns said he wants to be the best veteran leader that Edwards would ever have and expressed his desire to see Edwards succeed just as much as he did if not more. But Towns still wanted to make something clear.
“I think he’s the future of the league,” Towns said, “but I’m the present, don’t forget that.”
Considering Towns’ comments about Edwards before that statement, regardless of the momentum Edwards has been experiencing, it’s not time to make the Wolves a heliocentric team. If he’s not already there, Towns is entering the prime of his career at 27 with a lot left to give to this game.
Just like Edwards, Towns is coming off a strong showing at the FIBA World Cup. There he earned Second Team All-Tournament honors with the Dominican Republic after averaging 24 points and 8 rebounds in five games. That kind of play can carry over to Minnesota’s season, and he showed that in his three preseason games.
A lot has been made about this being Edwards’ team now. However, Towns and Edwards showed us they can coexist last year. It’s a point of emphasis for Chris Finch to reinvigorate their chemistry from that season into this year.
“The key for us is to recapture the chemistry that [Edwards] and [Towns] have always had,” Finch said. “When Karl came back [from injury last season], that two-man game wasn’t as prevalent as it needs to be.”
Finch has also pointed out the team’s need for Towns to be more assertive than he was at certain points last season. He said Towns’ urge to get others involved would cost him opportunities at times. So as the Timberwolves see it, the hope is for Towns to continue to serve as an instrumental contributor to where the team finishes this season.
During the preseason, Towns put his assertiveness on display, averaging 17 points per game. He showed off his versatility with his ability to drive to the basket, pick-and-pop, cut, and take advantage of size mismatches . It’s clear Towns has taken Finch’s advice and is primed to carry it out.
As Towns enters Year 9 in Minnesota, there hasn’t been a time where he’s had to take a secondary role to any player. Even after Jimmy Butler’s arrival, Towns was an All-Star in their lone season together. He’s always been expected to be the face of the franchise. But with his lack of playoff success and the ongoing rise of Edwards, critics believe it’s time for Towns to take a step back. But it’s hard to envision the Timberwolves giving Towns a demotion of any sort as long as he remains part of the organization. Sure, Towns is surrounded by All-Star caliber players, but it’s best for the team that they coexist and flourish as a cohesive unit.
While Edwards has superstar ability, it’s essential that the 22-year-old’s development isn’t rushed. Edwards has already been vocal about the impact Towns can have this season. In an interview with Michael Grady, “KAT getting MVP” was among the things Edwards said that would equate to a successful season. Given the framework of the roster, there isn’t a need for Edwards to be on an island. Edwards will continue to come into his own as he has for the last three seasons, and that can still happen with an assertive Towns by his side. From the outside looking in, that’s the route the organization is looking to take.
