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Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns is a Dominican-American professional basketball player who plays centre for the New York Knicks in the NBA.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Karl-Anthony Towns is a Dominican-American professional Basketball player who plays centre for the New York Knicks in the NBA. He was selected first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft after one season at the University of Kentucky. Towns has been named an NBA All-Star multiple times and has received All-NBA honours.

Early life and college

Towns was born in Edison, New Jersey, and attended St. Joseph High School in New Jersey. He played one season at the University of Kentucky before entering the 2015 NBA Draft.

NBA career

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Towns first overall in 2015. He played for Minnesota from 2015 to 2024 and later joined the New York Knicks, where he continued his NBA career.

Playing style and role

Towns is listed primarily as a centre, with some sources also describing him as a power forward. He is known for scoring, rebounding, and outside shooting from the frontcourt.

Achievements and honours

Towns won Rookie of the Year in 2016 and has earned multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honours. He has also been recognised for his three-point shooting and overall offensive production.

Key facts

  • Played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats.
  • Selected first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
  • Has been a multi-time NBA All-Star and All-NBA selection.
  • Won NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2015–16 season.
  • Played for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2015 to 2024 before joining the New York Knicks.
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Canadian context

Karl-Anthony Towns has relevance for Canadian basketball readers as an NBA star whose teams are followed closely in Canada through national coverage of the league.

Frequently asked questions

What team does Karl-Anthony Towns play for?
He plays for the New York Knicks in the NBA.
When was Karl-Anthony Towns drafted?
He was drafted first overall in 2015 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What position does Karl-Anthony Towns play?
He is primarily listed as a centre, and some sources also list him as a power forward.
Where did Karl-Anthony Towns go to college?
He played one season for the University of Kentucky.
Has Karl-Anthony Towns won Rookie of the Year?
Yes. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2015–16 season.

References

  1. NBA.com — https://www.nba.com/player/1626157/karl-anthony-towns/bio
    Supports: Current team, position, height, weight, birthdate, college, draft position, career averages, awards and All-Star selections.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3136195/karl-anthony-towns
    Supports: Current team, position, height, weight, birthdate, college, draft information, and active status.
  3. Basketball-Reference — https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/townska01.html
    Supports: Draft details, position, and career statistical and historical player record.
  4. UK Athletics — https://ukathletics.com/sports/mbball/roster/player/karl-anthony-towns/
    Supports: College affiliation, hometown, and personal background.