Karl-Anthony Towns, coming off two consecutive All-Star appearances, is averaging a career-best 27.0 points per game this season. His 4.2 assists per game are a career high, as are efficiency numbers such as effective field goal percentage (.602, thanks in large part to 40.6% three-point shooting on an easily career-high 8.2 attempts per game).
He's become a nearly fully realized best version of his offensive self in the Wolves' new offensive system. So naturally, when Western Conference All-Star reserves were announced Thursday, Towns … didn't make the cut.
What gives?
Well, probably a few factors. But here's one theory: Reserves are picked by coaches, and those coaches are increasingly paying attention to a player's contributions on both ends of the court.