Ranking Ja Morant among past NBA Rookie of the Year winners

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on January 26, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 114-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves blocks a shot by Deron Williams #8 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on January 20, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

6. Karl-Anthony Towns (2016)

Since Andrew Wiggins’ Rookie of the Year efforts weren’t enough to save the Timberwolves from posting the league’s worst record (16-66) in 2014-15, Minnesota landed a second straight No. 1 overall pick — Kentucky freshman center Karl-Anthony Towns — and produced a second straight Rookie of the Year.

Towns averaged 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. He ranked fourth in the league in total rebounds, eighth in rebounds per game, 10th in offensive rebounds, eighth in field goals, sixth in total blocks, 10th in blocks per game and eighth in field goal percentage.

The Wolves improved by 13 wins in Towns’ rookie year — still far from the playoffs but at least it was better than being the worst.

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