Every NBA team’s biggest question mark for the 2021-22 season

Minnesota Timberwolves: Will Karl-Anthony Towns become a winner?

Towns is a devastating offensive center who can destroy opposing big men with his ability to play on the perimeter and in the post. The problem with the former Kentucky standout’s game is that it’s never really contributed to winning in Minnesota.

Much of that blame can be placed on the lack of talent surrounding him. The Timberwolves front office has done a horrible job of giving him another star to play alongside. The trade for D’Angelo Russell might have excited Towns on a personal level but it’s been a disaster on the court.

Some of the blame does lay at Towns’ feet though. Specifically, his defensive effort and attention have waxed and waned throughout his pro career. At some point, Towns has to decide that he’s going to drag this roster to winning even when it’s improperly constructed around him.

That’s a heavy burden for any player, but Towns has prodigious talent. If he wants to be considered one of the game’s great players he has to find a way to haul this team to respectability. If that doesn’t happen this year, it’s time for Towns to start looking for a team where he can be a part of a winning culture.