Busy summer 'a blessing' for No. 1 pick Towns; focused on success with Wolves
The life of a No. 1 NBA draft pick is not for the faint of heart.
After a rookie's name is called by the league's commissioner - signifying the beginning of his pro career - the months-long circus commences as basketball fans, sponsors, and media members alike clamor to gain access to the Association's latest crop of players.
For Minnesota Timberwolves newbie Karl-Anthony Towns, this summer has been no exception.
"It's been a crazy summer, to say the least. The most hectic I've ever had in my life," the 19-year-old told NBA.com's Steve Aschburner.
"But to be able to have it all happen the way it happened is a blessing."
Towns - who knew of his vocational destination before others knew their own - wasted no time in putting down roots in Minneapolis after the Wolves selected him with the first overall pick in June's draft.
The 6-foot-11 big man then quickly began ticking off a variety of tasks on his whirlwind tour's checklist:
- Introducing NBA fans to his alter-ego, Karlito
- Late-night workout sessions
- Wowing T-Wolves fans with aerial aerobics
- Showing and proving himself as a No. 1 pick during Summer League
- Rookie photo shoots
- Getting cozy with an Oscar-winner, a jockey, and a giant panda
His latest public appearance - throwing out the first pitch at a Minnesota Twins home game on Sunday - punctuated a jam-packed offseason for the Kentucky alumnus.
"I've been everywhere," he said. "But mostly just focusing on my game, making sure I'm the most prepared I could be for the season."
Towns' expressed motivation to strengthen his already-dynamic skill set must be music to the Wolves' ears, as he figures to be a foundational component of the team's ongoing rebuild.
Although the New Jersey native possesses a balanced offensive repertoire and a penchant for staunch defense, Towns has spent recent weeks engaging in "basketball meditation," working out with NFL players, and training with Kevin Garnett - Towns' newest tutor and T-Wolves legend.
"He's my mentor," KAT said of KG.
Towns - who was born less than five months after Garnett was drafted by the Wolves in 1995 - hopes to absorb every ounce of the cumulative wisdom imparted by the team's elder statesman's.
"Everything he knows, and countless years he's been playing this game at a high level, (I am) just trying to garner information from him every day. Learn how to be a better leader, how to be a champion, just to be a true professional."
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Already equipped with levels of focus and determination seldom displayed by proverbial basketball pups, Towns is poised to hit the ground running once the 2015-16 campaign tips off.
"I'm very passionate, and I love the game I play," he exclaimed.
Seems like he's as ready for the season to begin as the scores of anxious basketball fanatics.