2015/16 NBA Rookie of the Year Race

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles the ball after making a steal in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. Oklahoma City Thunder won 122-99. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles the ball after making a steal in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. Oklahoma City Thunder won 122-99. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3 – Karl-Anthony Towns

Odds: 6/1

Drafted: 1st by the Minnesota Timberwolves

FGM FGA FG% 3FGM 3FGA 3P% FTM FTA FT% Reb Ast Stl Blk TO Pts
Summer 21 53 0.40 0 5 0 22 30 0.733 36 10 4 9 17 64
Preseason 20 40 0.50 0 2 0 18 20 0.875 34 4 5 6 10 58
Total 41 93 0 7 40 50 1.608 70 14 9 15 27 122
Average 4.1 9.3 44.1% 0 0.7 0.0% 4 5 80.0% 7 1.4 1 1.5 2.7 12

There were no surprises when Karl-Anthony Towns was selected first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He provides a solid shot blocking ability to go with a good offensive touch and should get a significant role with the Timberwolves during his rookie campaign. Despite the likes of Kevin Garnett, Gorgeui Dieng and Nikola Pekovic on the roster, he is clearly the future of the organisation along with Andrew Wiggins.

I do wonder about how many touches he gets on offense as his back to the basket game is still a work in progress. He has the ability to be able to average in the region of 13 points, 8 rebounds to go along with nearly 2 blocks per game. If he can go close to those numbers then he will certainly be in the conversation for rookie of the year.

Towns may become the best player of this draft class in a couple years but I believe there are two players that may be able to put together better rookie seasons.

Next: Jahlil Okafor