26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, Kevin Love is real.
Since the 2010-2011 NBA season where he was awarded the NBA’s Most Improved Player, Love has been quietly dominating. The 3-time NBA All Star has had the unfortunate position of trying to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to greatness and much like former Timberwolves All Star Kevin Garnett; the time has come for him to get what he deserves: an NBA Championship. Only recently has the Minnesota front office began to look at trade offers, reason being: 1) the NBA draft lottery is quickly approaching and 2) he can opt out in 2015 and has shown a few signs that he will.
The most promising prospects that have shown considerable interest have to be the Bulls and Rockets. Both teams also have plans to go after Carmelo Anthony once he becomes a free agent, the combination of Love and Anthony on either team easily makes them a title contender (possibly favorite). Can the two play together?
The USA basketball team’s impressive run in 2012, bringing home the gold medal, should give you the answer to that and quickly. Other teams that have shown interest in him include the Warriors, Lakers, Celtics, and the Suns. Clearly the Celtics, Lakers or Suns would put him back in a similar situation, so it appears Golden State, Houston, and Chicago are the front runners to land K. Love.
Although nothing is official that the T’Wolves are looking to deal Love, point guard Ricky Rubio had some ill timed comments to add stating that moving forward “he (Rubio) could be the definitive leader for the team.” Perhaps those closer to the organization know things the general public do not right now, so time will tell.
What is certain is how well Kevin Love can play with aggressive scorers and still produce. His UCLA team in 2007-2008 carried NBA products Russell Westbrook and Darren Collison; so his ability to play as a secondary option while maintaining double digit points and rebounds is well documented beyond the Olympic team. Plus, we all know how he gets down on the blacktop with “Uncle Drew,” right?
This should be fun to watch and whoever does land Kevin Love will win and win big.