After the Miami Heat won the 2012 championship, teams across the league began increasingly following their blueprint of small-ball, pace and space. Big men were forced to adapt as a result, expanding their repertoire to become outside shooters and capable of defending quick guards on the perimeter.

Some bigs have been unable to flourish in the current game, but one who's blossomed into a superstar as the league's collective style evolved is Minnesota Timberwolves blossomed center Karl Anthony-Towns.

When he began his NBA career, Towns spent the majority of his time on the block, using his size as an advantage to manufacture points. The ascension was quick for the No. 1 pick of the 2015 draft, but his awesome production didn't translate to sustained success for the Timberwolves—until this season, at least.

Unleashed by the creative offensive attack of coach Chris Finch and thriving alongside Anthony Edwards and D'Angelo Russell, Towns is playing the best basketball of his career in 2021-22. Here are three reasons why he's a lock to make All-NBA this season.

3 reasons why Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns is a lock for All-NBA

All-around talent is rare in this league

The top two candidates for MVP, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, are centers as well. It is highly likely for them to claim the First and Second team All-NBA slots at center, but Towns has the consistent numbers and winning performances that must cement him as a shoo-in for Third Team.

Other contenders like Bam Adebayo or Rudy Gobert are phenomenal in their own right, but Adebayo has missed way too many games this season, while Gobert is essentially the same hugely impactful but sorely limited player he's been for the last few years. Deandre Ayton deserves a mention, too, but the Phoenix Suns' dominance is driven more by their two-way systems and overall culture than any individual player.

One could debate that Towns is the second-best shooting big man in NBA history behind Dirk Nowitzki, a claim by his 41.2% accuracy from deep on high volume as well as his win in the three-point shootout at All-Star weekend. Moreover, the cross-court passes of Towns from the post to his corner shooters have been highlight-worthy this season.

No one ever doubted Towns' skill. But he's leveled up as both a shooter and playmaker in 2021-22, establishing himself as one of the most influential offensive players in basketball.

Galvanized teammates to succeed in respective roles

There is no question that Towns is the leader and best player of Minnesota. He had the talent since the beginning of his career, but this is the season Towns has galvanized the Timberwolves into a cohesive unit. There are games when Russell or Edwards are cooking, and Towns is the first guy to be seen celebrating his teammates' success.

The key acquisition of Patrick Beverley and impressive growth of Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaden McDaniels has been key for Minnesota. Those role players are not afraid to be physical and defend some of the most talented players in the league. Their desire and nose for the ball is never missing, catapulting the Timberwolves to gritty victories throughout the regular season when the offense wanes.

Winning basketball isn't just driven by superstars and players who sell jerseys. Towns has ensured that everyone is empowered and involved in Minnesota, and his team is finally on the right track as a result.

Durability and health is terrific for Towns

Even if others may not agree, voters take into account games played when submitting their ballot for every award. Towns has only missed seven games this season so far, his availability proving vital for the lasting success of the Timberwolves. With more games played than both Adebayo and Gobert, his numbers have been consistently spectacular, and he's taken meaningful strides defensively, too.

Even if expectations and pressure continue to rise for Minnesota, Towns has welcomed the challenge as he looks toward the postseason. There's a good chance the Timberwolves remain in the seven seed, forced to advance past the play-in tournament before meeting the Golden State Warriors or Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.

It will definitely be a tough and grueling road, but brighter days are ahead for Minnesota regardless of how this season ends—and Towns' ongoing, all-encompassing rise is the biggest reason why.