A few days after the conclusion of the 2015 edition of NBA Summer League, many have weighed in on each young prospect’s play and how it will impact their future as a pro. There were plenty of big-time performers and pleasant surprises, including the likes of Kristaps Porzingis, Stanley Johnson, Seth Curry and Doug McDermott, to name a few.

However, the biggest name in Summer League due to the fact he was selected before anyone else in this year’s draft was Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He wasn’t necessarily the best player on the court; I would agree that any of the aforementioned players should take that spot over Towns. But what Towns showed overall, on and off the court, was impressive.

Statistically speaking, Towns had a fairly decent showing, averaging 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, two assists and just shy of two blocks per game. Offensively, it took him a while to get comfortable on a few occasions. But he flashed the ability not only to have a full arsenal in the post, but to knock down the mid-range jumper.

Defensively, he set the tone. Towns showed why he was worthy of the top pick, just on the defensive side of the ball. He was tenacious, full of energy and didn’t allow very many easy baskets. On the court, he looks just as good as anybody thought.

Off the court, though, is what impressed me the most throughout his time in Las Vegas. On one night specifically, he sat down with the crew from NBATV’s ‘The Starters’ to share his experiences as a pro thus far. Towns was asked, during the interview, how he’s fared out on the court with his new teammates.

“The biggest thing you have to understand is that it’s a process,” Towns said. “Just like college was a process. Every game I’m getting more and more comfortable; more and more used to the offensive scheme, defensively coming more together. I’m playing for a great organization, and the fact that they’re giving me the trust to get better every game is amazing.”

He went on about his belief in the young Wolves.

“You’re playing with a lot of talent. I mean, we have a lot of, lot of talent. We’re a young core. We just have to keep playing together and playing more minutes together.”

When asked later about a beautiful pass he made to fellow big man Adreian Payne, and if he was upset that Payne didn’t finish at the basket to get him the assist, Towns simply responded: “You know, the biggest thing is I wanted to give him a good pass to give him a chance to succeed…”

Payne was fouled on the play and sunk both free throws.

“…At the end of the day, two free throws counts as two just the same,” Towns said.

Just listening to him speak, you can tell that Towns is a humble kid who is sincerely grateful for his opportunity at hand. Many No. 1 overall picks could have the right to come across a bit more arrogant, as if they’ve been there before — not Towns. The way he spoke in interviews was as if he knew he was still trying to earn each day he has in the NBA.

Going forward, Minnesota will need a leader after the inevitable retirement of Kevin Garnett. Thankfully, Towns is up to the task and his attitude will allow him to create a following in the locker room.

Ryan Heckman is a writer for www.RantSports.com covering the NBA and NFL. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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