Minnesota Timberwolves

What are some realistic expectations for Karl-Anthony Towns as a rookie?

Published Jul. 1, 2015 3:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

No basketball players have more pressure than incoming first overall draft picks. Sometimes they don't live up to the hype, and sometimes they destroy the world and hoist a franchise on their shoulders.

But neither happens right away. Even the most talented players need time to develop, including Minnesota Timberwolves top pick Karl-Anthony Towns. Here's a look at what should be expected of him next season, per Bleacher Report:

"Ultimately, Towns will dramatically improve Minny's stoppage. Just don't be surprised by a steady portion of fouls and rookie mistakes along the way. He's the final piece that will bolster a defense that already had talent like Rubio, Dieng and Wiggins. On offense, the big fella can initially develop without having to carry the team. With a skilled table-setter like Rubio and prolific wings like Wiggins and Shabazz Muhammad, Towns will be asked to stay within a modest role."

Towns is expected to eventually turn into a franchise center, but in his first NBA season there's a good chance he struggles to adjust just a bit. He'll go up against players who're his size every night, which is something that didn't happen in college, and the 82-game season will grind on his young body.

But even if he doesn't win Rookie of the Year, or average a double-double, Towns' future will still be extremely bright.

(h/t: Bleacher Report)

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