Karl-Anthony Towns Names Top 5 NBA Big Men Ever in Golf Showdown with Diana Taurasi

Karl-Anthony Towns has put his stamp on the 2025-26 NBA season by winning the championship with the New York Knicks. But during a relaxed golf session with WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, the Dominican big man opened up about his basketball roots.

What did Towns say?

On Taurasi’s golf-centric video series, Towns named the five greatest big men in NBA history. He led with the usual suspects-Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Hakeem Olajuwon-before settling on Ben Wallace for the fifth spot. Towns admitted he has borrowed elements of Wallace’s training routine to sharpen his own game.

Why Ben Wallace?

Wallace doesn’t always crack these lists, yet his résumé speaks for itself. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year and six-time All-Defensive honoree, he anchored Detroit’s 2004 title team and guided the Pistons to six straight Eastern Conference Finals. Towns, who grew up watching that Pistons core, clearly absorbed Wallace’s intensity.

How did the conversation unfold?

The exchange happened on 15 July 2026, during a round captured for Taurasi’s series. At the 3:44 mark, she asked Towns to name his top five big men ever. After listing the four all-time greats, he paused before choosing Wallace-prompted by the Pistons legend’s relentless effort and championship pedigree.

What’s next for Towns?

Fresh off his first ring, Towns isn’t slowing down. He’s already shaping his offseason regimen around Wallace’s defensive habits, aiming to add another layer to his two-way game. With the Knicks eyeing repeat contention, his growth could be the difference in tight series down the stretch.