1 of 10

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Best-Case Comparison: Al Horford

Worst-Case Comparison: Andrew Bogut

Karl-Anthony Towns' upside is driven by offensive versatility and dangerous defensive tools. He combines Al Horford's basic post game, mid-range touch and rebounding prowess, as well as the potential to develop into a shot-blocking machine.

But at 19 years old, Towns still has to tie everything together. And if he eventually does, we could be talking about a two-way, inside-out big man who can play with his back to the basket or face it and score.

If it never clicks for Towns, particularly on offense, Andrew Bogut could work as a worst-case projection. Though slowed by injuries, Bogut never quite developed into the scorer you'd expect a No. 1 overall pick to become.

He was a good offensive player and strong passer—he just wasn't great in any one area of the game. And at this point, Towns is still a bit raw in terms of his footwork and execution (shot 39.6 percent in summer league).

Still, like it did for Bogut, Towns' rim protection should continue to hold value, regardless of how well he develops offensively.