Kaminsky favors Okafor over Towns as NBA franchise cornerstone

Frank Kaminsky prefers Jahlil Okafor to Karl-Anthony Towns, the former Wisconsin star told SI Now.

Frank Kaminsky says he prefers Jahlil Okafor to Karl-Anthony Towns, the former Wisconsin forward toldSI Now.

Asked whom he would pick first in the draft, Kaminsky said it would depend on team need. But as for which player is more talented between Okafor and Towns, Kaminsky said: "I think Jahlil is a good player. Just the way he plays and how big he is and how strong he is. He's very advanced for his age. If I was going to build a franchise, my personal favorite is Jahlil, just because I know him more personally."

Okafor averaged 17.3 points and 8.5 rebounds as a freshman for Duke last season, while Towns recorded 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for Kentucky in his freshman season.

When asked whether he should be included in the debate about the No. 1 overall pick, Kaminsky said "not necessarily." 

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"With the way the NBA is set up these days they like the younger prospects, guys who are one-and-dones," he said. "[Towns and Okafor] are both very good players who have very, very bright futures."

Kaminsky was the consensus player of the year last year after averaging 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds a game for the Badgers.

SI.com's Chris Mannix has Towns going first, Okafor second and Kaminsky sixth in his latest mock draft.

The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the first pick in the NBA draft, which will take place June 25.

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- Alex Putterman