He was always involved in the community, whether it was working with LGBTQ people, working to restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated people, promoting his annual coat drive, or trying to help reform the criminal justice system in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Towns’ use of his platform as an NBA All-Star and his involvement in charitable work wasn’t just for show. There was always a personal touch to it, and he devoted not just his financial resources but also his time and energy. Those are the reasons why the NBA chose to award him with the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy as its Social Justice Champion for the 2023-24 season. It’s also why he left a legacy in Minnesota that goes well beyond what he did on the court. That night in Houston, I told him the Wolves had been in Portland once on Trail Blazers pride night when star guard Damian Lillard took the microphone before the game and welcomed the crowd. He said how happy he was that everyone was there that night and felt welcome at the game.