Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the information on Karl-Anthony Towns:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Karl-Anthony Towns Jr.
  • Nationality: American-Dominican (holds dual citizenship for the USA and the Dominican Republic)
  • Age: Born November 15, 1995
  • Hometown: Edison, New Jersey, USA
  • Height: 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 meters)
  • Weight: 248 pounds (112 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm)
  • Shoe Size: Size 20
  • Shoe Brand: Nike G.T. Jump 2, Nike Hyperdunk X, Nike Zoom Rize 2, Nike Hyperdunk 2017, Nike Hyperdunk 2016
  • Number: Wears #32
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • High School: St. Joseph High School (Metuchen, New Jersey)
  • College: University of Kentucky (Kentucky Wildcats) (2014–2015)
  • NBA Draft: 2015 NBA Draft, 1st overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Teams Played For:
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: No children (as of 2024)
  • Siblings: Two sisters, Malaika and Lachelle Towns
  • Girlfriend: Jordyn Woods

Player Archetype / Play Style

Karl-Anthony Towns’ player archetype is that of a stretch-scoring offensive hub big: a seven-footer with guard-like touch who can space the floor, punish switches in the post, attack closeouts, and still do traditional center work on the glass. Defensively, he fits best as a big-body interior presence and rebounder who can protect the rim in stretches, even if his value is driven more by size and positioning than by being a pure shutdown anchor. Offensively, his role is that of a primary or secondary scoring centerpiece, especially in pick-and-pop actions, trail threes, face-up drives, and mismatch scoring, with enough passing feel to keep the offense moving. At 7-foot and 248 pounds, Towns pairs genuine center size with soft shooting mechanics and unusual mobility for his frame, and his play style blends perimeter skill, inside-out scoring, rebounding, and matchup pressure in a way that makes him one of the league’s most versatile offensive big men. (nba.com)

Notes:

  • Similar players to Karl-Anthony Towns include Kristaps Porziņģis, Nikola Jokić, Myles Turner, Alperen Şengün, DeMarcus Cousins, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Love, and Chris Bosh.

Player Insights

The Knicks and Timberwolves completed a trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle. The trade gave the Knicks additional frontcourt scoring and spacing, while also reshaping their defensive structure. They have been trying to move Randle. Also, they have needed a legitimate center for many years, especially since Brunson arrived. Mitchell Robinson has dealt with multiple injuries in recent seasons, which created inconsistency in the Knicks’ center rotation. Moreover, the Knicks have a perfectly legit power forward already in Precious Achiuwa. The deal shifts roster construction for both teams, with New York emphasizing offensive versatility and Minnesota focusing on frontcourt balance. That isn’t to say that the trade is bad for the Timberwolves: they had their own dilemma where they weren’t getting the most out of their starting five. They too have become stronger. The trade allows the Timberwolves to no longer have to play with 2 centers, which, regardless of what it means for the Knicks, means that the Timberwolves do get good compensation overall. Donte DiVincenzo is another player that the Timberwolves acquired in the deal, and he’ll also give the Timberwolves the added depth off the bench they need. Following significant personal adversity earlier in his career, Karl-Anthony Towns has continued to adjust his role while balancing scoring, spacing, and playmaking responsibilities. 09/13/2024

Sources:
NBA.com — Karl-Anthony Towns | Center-Forward | New York Knicks
NBA.com — 2015 Draft Profile: Karl-Anthony Towns
ESPN — How Karl-Anthony Towns is transforming the Knicks offense
ESPN — How the revamped New York Knicks can unlock new levels to Jalen Brunson’s game
ESPN — Trade official, Karl-Anthony Towns bids farewell to Minnesota Timberwolves