Karl-Anthony Towns: Ricky Rubio helped me become a better man

Nearly everyone who played alongside veteran point guard Ricky Rubio has a story that speaks to the type of person Rubio is and the character he showed as a teammate.

Timberwolves forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns is among them, sharing his thoughts on Rubio’s recent retirement with Clippers forward Paul George on George’s Podcast P, presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment.

“I feel like anyone that’s been blessed to play with Ricky, probably has the same stories or feeling playing with him. Just how great of a human being he is, how great of a professional he is,” Towns said.

“My story with him is when I first got to Minnesota, got drafted, and the first person that welcomed me into Minnesota was Ricky. He took me to a restaurant in Minnesota and just showed me around the city. Drove me around the city, showing me spots I should know about and just really welcomed me to Minnesota and made me feel comfortable.

“I just think that’s how Ricky always is with all of his teammates, he makes everyone feel so comfortable, so loved and cared for. Not even talking about him as a basketball player…but just as a human. I’m forever grateful to him for making me a better man.”

Towns, 28, was drafted by Minnesota with the No. 1 overall pick in 2015. Rubio was entering his fifth season at the time.

He announced his retirement from the NBA last week after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Cavaliers. 

Towns is averaging 21.5 points and 9.0 rebounds, helping the Timberwolves (25-10) to the best start in franchise history. They enter Monday night as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Karl-Anthony Towns gives Ricky Rubio his flowers after announcing retirement

More from PG & KAT on the new episode out now: https://t.co/azpILYAF2s pic.twitter.com/n2RwojMux8

— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) January 8, 2024