At the time, the Timberwolves had a qualified Black assistant coach on staff: David Vanterpool. Towns believed Vanterpool deserved consideration for the head coaching job.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t come on here and mention the amazing work that men of color are doing in this world,” Towns said via ESPN. “Not only in every other sport and through social justice.”
“There’s a lot of amazing men of color out there that deserve the opportunity to lead a team and to run an organization and have a chance to make their mark in this league, not with a jersey on but with a suit on.”
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing work David Vanterpool has put in, and as a man who looks like me, I can’t wait to see him get a job where he can flourish and be a head coach and run a team.”
Towns wasn’t alone. Fellow All-Stars CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard echoed his sentiments on social media, amplifying the call for more diversity in NBA coaching ranks.
“I know we can do better. We have six openings right now. We’re in discussions with all of those teams about making sure there’s a diverse slate of candidates.”
Progress followed. By August 2023, 15 of 30 NBA head coaches (50%) were Black—the highest number in league history, a dramatic turnaround from the 2020-21 season when diversity numbers had slipped.
That progress has since eroded. Despite approximately 85% of NBA players being Black, only six head coaches are Black as of early 2026. The gains made in 2023 have largely disappeared.
“You’ve got to support the organization in everything you do and understand. I understand how everything is, but at the end of the day, the organization made the choice that they felt was best for this organization.”
Karl-Anthony Towns spoke up in 2021 because he believed qualified Black coaches deserved opportunities. Four years later, the numbers suggest his concerns remain valid.
The NBA has made progress. Then it lost ground. And players like Towns continue to ask the same question: why aren’t more men of color getting the chance to lead?