Karl-Anthony Towns had a very good season for the Timberwolves in 2021-22, appearing in 74 games while averaging 24.6 points and nearly 10 rebounds as the Wolves made the playoffs for the first time in four years.
He was deservedly rewarded with selection to the All-NBA third team, garnering 38 second-team votes and 60 third-team votes out of 100 ballots.
But that simple distinction — earning a spot on one of those three All-NBA teams, which are voted on by NBA writers and broadcasters — made the difference in tens of millions of dollars on the four-year contract extension Towns signed last summer.