Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns gets harsh ‘supporting actor’ to Anthony Edwards take from Bill Simmons

In a recent episode of his podcast, Bill Simmons offered a pointed analysis of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ dynamics, particularly concerning Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. Simmons’ comments underscore a shift in the team’s hierarchy, suggesting that while Edwards shines as the leading man, Towns should embrace a “supporting actor” role. His analogy drew from the movie “Heat,” comparing Edwards’ dual dynamism to that of both De Niro and Pacino, while relegating Towns to a minor, albeit crucial, role akin to Tom Sizemore’s. Simmons said, ” I think with Edwards, especially the way he’s playing tonight, you just want supporting actors with him, when he’s going to have a game like that… You want Towns to be (Tom) Sizemore where he’s going to have three scenes and he’s going to do his ‘for me the action is the juice’ and it’s like oh cool Tom Sizemore had a moment, now get out of the way, we’re going to get back to De Niro and Pacino. But Towns, I feel like he thinks it’s the two of them together and tonight was a night that it was not.”

This characterization sparks a deeper examination of the evolving roles within the Timberwolves, especially in light of Towns’ and Edwards’ performances and the team’s recent history.

For many years, the Timberwolves were synonymous with Karl-Anthony Towns. Drafted as the first overall pick in 2015, Towns quickly became the face of the franchise, guiding the team through numerous challenging seasons. His accolades are notable: a four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree, not to mention his Rookie of the Year title in 2016. Despite his individual successes, the team’s overall performance often fell short of expectations.

The arrival of Anthony Edwards marked a turning point for the Timberwolves. Edwards, with his explosive postseason performances averaging 32.1 points per game, has redefined the team’s identity. His ascent is not just about scoring; it’s about taking over games in a way that commands both respect and attention. In contrast, Towns, the team’s second-leading scorer at 18.9 PPG this season, has seen his role evolve. No longer the sole focal point, he is now a vital component of a duo that needs to find harmony.

The notion that successful NBA teams typically feature multiple stars is well-established. Historically, dynamic duos and even trios have led teams to championships. The challenge for the Timberwolves is balancing Edwards’ ascendant star power with Towns’ established presence. Towns, despite his significant contributions and star power, often faces criticism, possibly a lingering effect of his past interactions with former teammate Jimmy Butler and the perception of his play style as an outside-shooting center.

Simmons’ critique suggests that Towns may need to adjust his perception of his role within the team, especially during games dominated by Edwards. This adjustment does not diminish Towns’ contributions but rather highlights the need for strategic flexibility in his game.

The harsh view of Towns as merely a “supporting actor” can be demoralizing, especially given his contributions and skills. However, it also reflects a broader narrative challenge that Towns faces—overcoming past team dynamics and public perceptions shaped by high-profile conflicts and criticisms. Rebranding himself within the team context, not as a diminished star but as a flexible, adaptive player who can rise to the occasion when needed and step back when Edwards takes the lead, could be beneficial.

Future Implications for the Timberwolves