NBA: Ranking all 30 starting centers for 2018-19

3. Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves

There’s a case to be made for Jokic to take this spot over Karl-Anthony Towns. Barring injury, the Nuggets will probably be a better team than the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018-19, and with all the turmoil surrounding KAT’s team, off-court distractions and drama might be enough to tip the scales in the Joker’s favor.

However, at this point in time, Towns is the better player, and we shouldn’t overthink it. His numbers were better in 2018-19, with the Wolves’ franchise cornerstone posting 21.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. He also shot 54.5 percent from the floor and an impressive 42.1 percent from 3-point range on 3.5 attempts a night.

Jokic was the better passer last year, but Towns was the superior scorer, rebounder, shot-blocker and 3-point threat. Since they’re both disappointingly inadequate on the defensive end, that category might as well be a wash. Heading into his age-23 season, Towns is also younger, giving him more room for growth — both now and over the long haul.