Towns was the first-overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Timberwolves. As a rookie, Towns averaged 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. He was named the league's Rookie of the Year for his efforts. Towns was named to the league's 2018 All-NBA Team, averaging 21.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the 3-point line. He also made his first All-Star team that season. In 2018-19, Towns made his second All-Star game, averaging 24.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Through four seasons, Towns is averaging 22.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. He ranks tied for first in team history in 3-pointers made.

As a freshman at Kentucky in 2014-15, Towns averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 56.6 percent from the field. He was named to the first-team All-SEC and was the SEC Freshman of the Year. He was also a consensus second-team All-American. In 2014, he was a McDonald's All-American and the Gatorade National Player of the Year.