Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns has been ruled out
indefinitely with a torn meniscus. The All-Star’s absence is a significant blow to the team’s chances of playoff success, as he has become a vital contributor on both sides of the floor.
While Timberwolves fans will undoubtedly be concerned at losing one of their best players, veteran point guard Mike Conley is confident his teammates will step up.
Naz Reid will likely step into a bigger role while Towns is out of the rotation. He’s a proven commodity at the NBA level and is among the better rotational big men in the league. Conley’s leadership will also prove vital. He has been a hit since joining the franchise midway through last season and even at 36, he is still a legitimate starter on one of the best teams in the West.
Still, the Timberwolves will need more than just Reid to step up. Everyone in the primary rotation will likely see their roles expanded. Towns isn’t the sort of player you can replace within a system. Everyone has to pitch in and do their part.
There’s no word on when Towns will return or if he will return this season at all. The Timberwolves will likely hope that he could be fit for a playoff run, but they also have to have a plan for proceeding without him.
Minnesota was viewed as a potential contender this season after racing out to the best record in the West. Towns’ injury changes that. Conley will undoubtedly be looking to galvanize the locker room, but they will need more than motivational words and leadership when facing some of the best teams in the league.
Towns’ injury has drastically altered Minnesota’s trajectory. Only he can put them back on course.