YAS ISLAND, Abu Dhabi — In the opulence of Abu Dhabi , Karl-Anthony Towns is at home, whether it’s camel rides through the desert or fine dining, taking it all in. And it’s the same in New York City, where he and his longtime girlfriend, Jordyn Woods, are subject to celebrity sightings — although he insists it’s more her than him.

But the thing for Towns is it isn’t about the affluence of Abu Dhabi, the spotlight of New York or even the quiet chill of Minnesota. It’s that wherever he is, he wants to really, really be there, in the moment, taking it all in.

Last month it was Lexington, Kentucky, as he was inducted into the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame. In speaking to the current team, there was one point he stressed, telling the players, “Stay in the present. Don't think about th

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