Minnesota center Karl-Anthony Towns was named NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2015-16 season. He has since received three All-Star selections, and he enters 2022-23 as the Wolves’ longest-tenured player.
In 2021-22, Towns led the Timberwolves’ 3-point shooting percentage with an impressive 41%. He averaged 24.6 points, and 9.8 rebounds as he was named to the All-NBA team.
We’ve narrowed this list of the best Karl-Anthony Towns rookie cards to collect down to just five options.
The Best Karl-Anthony Towns Rookie Cards
You’ll be able to find various Karl-Anthony Towns rookie cards in 2015-16 basketball products.
5. 2015-16 Panini Select Karl-Anthony Towns RC #16 Concourse, #136 Premier, #268 Courtside (eBay)
2015-16 Panini Select Basketball is where we’ll begin. You’ll find a trio of base Towns rookie cards, with Concourse the most commonly found at a rate of three per pack. Rarer versions include Premier Level (10 per box) and Courtside (1:6 packs).
Each features a unique image, and alternative border/background designs. The trio also sports different parallels, which are listed below.
- Concourse Parallels: Silver Prizms, Tri-Color Prizms, Blue Prizms #/249, Red Prizms #/149, Orange Prizms #/60, Tie-Dye Prizms #/25, Pink Prizms (#/20 – 2016 Industry Summit), Gold Prizms #/10, Green Prizms #/5, Black Prizms 1/1
- Premier Parallels: Silver Prizms Die Cut, Tri-Color Prizms Die-Cut, Light Blue Prizms Die-Cut #/199, Purple Prizm Die-Cut #/99, Tie-Dye Prizms Die-Cut #/25, Gold Prizms Die-Cut #/10, Green Prizms Die-Cut #/5, Black Prizms Die-Cut 1/1
- Courtside Parallels: Silver Prizms, Copper Prizms #/49, Tie-Dye Prizms #/25, Gold Prizms #/10, Green Prizms #/5, Black Prizms 1/1
Check prices of 2015-16 Panini Select Karl-Anthony Towns RC on eBay
4. 2015-16 Excalibur Karl-Anthony Towns Kaboom! RC #16 (eBay)
Whether it’s football, soccer, or basketball, Panini’s Kaboom! insert set features some of the most desirable modern cards for collectors to chase. Typically released at a rate of one per case, they’re especially rare, and the majority are notably valuable. Karl-Anthony Towns’ RC is found in 2015-16 Excalibur.
Instantly recognizable thanks to a unique design, it’s proof that you don’t always need an auto or a serial number to drum up interest.
Check prices of 2015-16 Excalibur Karl-Anthony Towns Kaboom! RC on eBay
3. 2015-16 Immaculate Collection Karl-Anthony Towns RC #101 Autograph Patch #/99 (eBay)
The premium 2015-16 Panini Immaculate Basketball collection is where we’re heading next; more specifically the Rookie Patch Autographs subset. This Karl-Anthony Towns RC is limited to only 99 copies, and includes a trio of rare parallels. The patch is smaller than the cards discussed below, which is one explanation for slightly lower values.
- Parallels: Jersey Number #/32, Red #/25, Logoman 1/1
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2. 2015-16 Panini Flawless Karl-Anthony Towns RC #33 (eBay)
2015-16 Panini Flawless features a strong selection of premium collectibles, including an RPA with a generous patch and an on-card autograph. It tends to be one of the most valuable Karl-Anthony Towns rookie cards overall, aside from the NT option seen below. Make no mistake, this could easily have taken the top spot on our list.
- Parallels: Ruby #/15, Sapphire #/10, Emerald #/5, Platinum 1/1
Check prices of 2015-16 Panini Flawless Karl-Anthony Towns RC on eBay
1. 2015-16 Panini National Treasures Rookie Patch Autographs Karl-Anthony Towns RC #101 #/99 (eBay)
Sticking with the high-end theme, 2015-16 Panini National Treasures Basketball is where you’ll find another eye-catching RPA from Town’s first year in the NBA. Base versions are limited to only 99 copies, with the landscape design allowing for a larger patch, as well as more space for an on-card auto.
You’ll find a copy of the Silver parallel in the image above.
- Parallels: Silver #/25, Gold #/10, Emerald #/5, Platinum 1/1, Logoman 1/1
Karl-Anthony Towns Rookie Cards: Buyers Guide
What do we think of the current market for the best Karl-Anthony Towns rookie cards?
The Best Cheap Karl-Anthony Towns Rookie Cards
You’ll still be able to find serial numbered signed Karl-Anthony Towns RCs at a more affordable price, although they are beginning to creep up as he solidifies his claim to be included in the Hall of Fame.
Any of the high-end RPAs should be seen as the best option from an investment perspective. They’re immensely popular with collectors, but the National Treasures RC is clearly the top pick overall.
Karl-Anthony Towns Rookie Cards: Final Thoughts
Towns recently battled back from a serious illness, after being hospitalized and telling reporters that his weight had dropped to 231 pounds — 17 pounds below his listed playing weight. He’s back in time for the season, and doesn’t seem to have suffered any long-term adverse effects.
(It’s worth mentioning that some of Towns’ weight loss was intentional as he transitions to power forward.)
KAT has made the playoffs twice in his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the second of which came last season. We’d keep an eye on his top rookie cards, as he clearly has the necessary talent to succeed at the highest level.
The supporting cast is arguably more important, but the team has improved in recent years.