After two consecutive All-Star appearances, Karl-Anthony Towns was left off this year’s roster, something the Minnesota Timberwolves star isn’t happy about.
“It’s unfortunate that this year’s All-Star Game won’t have the 24 best players in the NBA,” Towns told the Minneapolis Star Tribune after Saturday’s loss to the LA Clippers.
Towns is averaging 27.0 points and 10.8 rebounds this season but has missed 17 games this season for the Wolves (15-33). If Towns had played in enough games at this point in the season to qualify, he’d be in the top 10 in the league in both scoring and rebounding.
“I’m desensitized to being disrespected in this league,” said Towns, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft. “I’ve been disrespected since I came in. It’s nothing new when I didn’t see my name up there. When you’re a person who’s been disrespected like me so much, it’s something you expect honestly. You’re kind of shocked when you do get it.”
Despite his feelings about missing out on a third career All-Star appearance, Towns said his primary focus is getting the Wolves back on track.
“It’s not about the All-Star Game, it’s about being in the NBA Finals, being in the playoffs, about winning games,” Towns said. “That’s how you build a legacy. All-Star is cool and stuff for the fans, but I’m here for the people in this locker room.”
The Wolves, losers of 11 straight, finish up a two-game Western road trip at Sacramento on Monday night.