The NBA understands marketing and social media better than any of the other professional sports league, and player campaigns are a big part of the strategy.
The Timberwolves have gotten into the act, creating "KAT CAB," a campaign designed to make the case for Karl-Anthony Towns to be chosen Rookie of the Year.
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Congrats on another Rookie of the Month, @karltowns. Next up...Rookie of the Year! #katcab https://t.co/Apf0lKpkb8 pic.twitter.com/RwQvSh4DNM
— Karlito Towns (@Karlito_Towns) April 6, 2016
That's cute, but unnecessary. Towns has by far been the class of this season's class. The No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft leads rookies in scoring, rebounding and double-doubles. Tuesday, the center had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota (26-52) in its 124-117 overtime victory over the Warriors (69-9) in Oakland.
Sixers center Jahlil Okafor's offensive numbers are up there with Towns', but Okafor shoots a lower percentage and has played in 25 fewer games than Towns. Kristaps Porzingis has been a bigger story, but that's because he wasn't expected to play well and he resides in New York. His 21 double-doubles for the Knicks are fewer than half the number Towns has.
Towns has lived up to the hype that surrounded him after he left Kentucky following his freshman season. Even if his team tries to manufacture an award for him, his play alone should be enough for Towns to take home the prize.
Stud of the Night
Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph had a vintage performance against the Bulls. He scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Memphis won 108-92.
Dud of the Night
The Bulls' loss hurts their already slim chances of making the playoffs. Derrick Rose struggled from the field (5 for 15, 12 points) and coughed the ball up five times as Chicago failed to take advantage of the Pistons' loss to the Heat.
Tweet of the Night
Tim Duncan was drafted No. 1 overall one year after Allen Iverson, who this week was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, yet Duncan is still out there collecting checks and wins. Duncan became the third player to win 1,000 NBA games as the Spurs outlasted the Jazz, 88-86.
Timmy joins Kareem & Robert Parish as only players in the @NBA 1,000 wins club. pic.twitter.com/9ns3vOFimE
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) April 6, 2016
Looking ahead
Rockets (38-39) at Mavericks (39-38), 9:30 p.m. ET: If the playoffs started today, the Mavericks would be in and the Rockets would be on their couches. The playoffs don’t start today, however, and the Mavs could be the ones starting their summer vacation shortly if they don’t take care of business down the stretch.