Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves rookie, strives to reach goals
Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks battles for position in the first half against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 in New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Karl-Anthony Towns has been the best rookie in the NBA this season, but he’s thinks he’s underachieving.
Towns, the No. 1 overall pick, entered Wednesday night’s game averaging 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks for the Timberwolves.
“I always have high expectations for myself so I feel like I’ve been underachieving so far,” Towns said. “I think that’s what pushes me so much is that I expect myself to be at a different plateau. I push myself every day to be on my own plateau, to reach my own goals and expectations.”
Towns, who is from New Jersey and grew up a Knicks’ fan, was excited to play in the Garden in front of family and friends. He said it was his first NBA game his older sister, Lachelle, attended.
Towns also said his father, Karl, a forward who went to Monmouth University, and was invited to Knicks’ training camp but suffered an ankle injury.
Fisher on Rondo
Derek Fisher felt badly about the incident between Rajon Rondo and referee Bill Kennedy, who revealed he was gay after Rondo was suspended for homophobic slurs directed at Kennedy during a recent game.
“Hopefully we can kind of move forward as a sport and not be insensitive to any community, LGBT community, or any community,” Fisher said. “It’s unfortunate because I think they’re both really good people. That shouldn’t be the way the Bill’s decision is kind of swarmed by Rajon’s comments as opposed to the courage for his decision.”
KG’s presence
Kevin Garnett, who didn’t play to rest on the second night of a back-to-back, is constantly in Towns’ ear. According to coach Sam Mitchell, one thing Garnett told Towns is not to get friendly to Kristaps Porzingis or any young big man because “they’re going to see this guy for the next 12 years, so get used to it.”
When asked about it, Towns said, “I hope it’s 20-plus. I ain’t planning on retiring soon.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
