KAT’s career arc is kind of insane.
KAT’s career arc is kind of insane.
Winning college player on a historically dominant 2015 Kentucky team, then goes #1 overall. At the time he was seen as raw offensively, drafted more for his defensive potential. High expectations to be the franchise guy in Minnesota, and he showed flashes of brilliance along with incredible box score stats, but was at time incredibly frustrating and the team didn’t win much.
Then Wolves drafted Ant. Gradually, it became clear KAT didn’t have to be the franchise guy anymore — and he flourished. That Wolves team was one of the most dominant defenses recent memory, and they came back and beat Jokic’s Nuggets in a Game 7 on the road. First WCF since KG. Wolves fans fell in love with him even more (I don’t think they had any recent playoff success before this season).
Then he gets traded to the Knicks out of nowhere. Not because Minnesota thought he was bad — but because the second apron. The wolves didn’t think they could build a winning team with him and Ant both on max deals.
Year 1 in New York: Knicks upset the defending champion Celtics in the second round, coming back from down 20 twice. Fall short to the Pacers, but the Knicks reached their first ECF in 25 years. I’d say the season was a success.
Year 2? NBA Finals. First time in 27 years. Historically dominant run through the eastern conference playoffs. And now he’s holding his own and honestly got the better of Wemby in game 1 of the NBA finals so far. Even if they end up losing to the Spurs, this season is definitely a smashing success.
KAT is proving to be consistently winning player - 3 conference finals in a row. He’s definitely become a better player than the player I thought he could be back in 2024 Minnesota season. Second best player on a finals team. Stock is trending toward top 15-20 player in the league and a proven consistent winner.
Successful and not a disappointment at all, yet the team that drafted him opted to trade him away. The second apron is so dumb in my opinion. And what’s weirder is that he is not just still beloved by Minnesota fans, he’s one of the most beloved Timberwolves of all time (top 3?)
Has any other player had a career arc like this? I’ve been watching the NBA since 2008 and I really can’t think of any player with a career arc like this.
Oh and forgot to mention the Jimmy Butler saga.