Karl-Anthony Towns announced in April that his mother passed away due to complications caused by the coronavirus. The Minnesota Timberwolves' star center recently revealed to NBA reporters that since that time, six more of his relatives have lost their lives due to the virus.
"I've seen a lot of coffins in the last seven months," Towns told reporters. "I have a lot of people who have -- in my family and my mom's family - gotten COVID. I'm the one looking for answers still, trying to find how to keep them healthy. It's just a lot of responsibility on me to keep my family well informed and to make all the moves necessary to keep them alive."
Towns said that he had just learned Thursday night that his uncle died because of the coronavirus. His father contracted the virus as well but recovered.
Towns added that he hasn't been in a good headspace since his mom was hospitalized in March and acknowledged that the upcoming NBA season will be difficult for him. While the star player welcomes getting back on the court, he'll be missing one of his most supportive cheerleaders.
"It always brought me a smile when I saw my mom at the baseline and in the stands and stuff and having a good time watching me play," Towns said. "It is going to be hard to play. It's going to be difficult to say this is therapy. I don't think [playing basketball] will ever be therapy for me again. But it gives me a chance to relive good memories I had."
