Courtesy: Fox Sports/MSN
There is a lot of controversy over today’s basketball game. Charles Barkley says it’s embarrassing, others call it soft. Today, a lot of has been made about the ‘big men’ in the league. Critics argue how they do not play as physical and Shaq is always telling big men “he needs more”. At some points I can’t argue. What happen to the big men of the NBA?
Throughout it all, there is one big man, who is better than any other in the league. His name is Kevin Love. Hands down, Love is the best big man in the game right now. He is an asset to the Minnesota Timberwolves and has a style of play like no other. Here is what makes Kevin Love the best big man in todays NBA and a realistic MVP candidate.
Something most all-stars are known for is being able to fill up the stat sheet. Kevin Love is a double-double monster. Every night he steps on the floor, he finishes with a double-double. Out of the 19 games the Minnesota Timberwolves have played this year, Kevin Love has had a double-double in 18 of them.
Love is currently averaging 35 minutes per game. In those 35 minutes, he averages 23.7PTS and 13.6REBS.
Big men are there to rebound. That 13.6REB per night average has him currently leading the league in rebounds per game. Big men also are asked to score and that 23.7PTs per game average puts him at fourth in the league at scoring.
His draft express profile said a lot about Love’s game, “Love is also a dominant rebounder on both ends of the court, using his massive frame to establish outstanding position and showing excellent timing and instincts in tracking down boards. His strength allows him to pull rebounds away from the opposition, and he does a great job sealing out his man.” Since his days at UCLA, Love has been an aggressive rebound. He has found confidence in the NBA and grown into a player that is comfortable with his abilities.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
He is also great offensive asset because he can play the block, has post moves, can attack the rim and has a super sweet jump shot. Love can all around ball. Averaging 23.7PTs per game, he shoots 43.9% from the field and 35% from 3-point range. Love’s ability to shoot allows from him to pull back on pick and rolls to hit three pointers.
His offensive ability makes teams better as a whole because he is a threat on the field. Not only he is a great shooter, he is a great passer. He also averages 4.2 assists per game. The Timberwolves are third this year in points per game, averaging 104.7.
His stat line is beautiful 23.7PTs, 13.7REBs and 4.2AST. Love is an all-star making a strong case to be considered for MVP. He might not be a flashy type of player but he is a good guy and quite possibly one of the best big men in the league.
Today, no big man is even like Love. His game is well rounded and versatile. Everything asked of a big man, he does than some. He even shoots 81% from the free-throw line.
I know love isn’t flashy or seen as an entertainer like most MVP candidates but his role on the Timberwolves is huge. The things that Love has been doing this season should not be overlooked. Maybe it is the small market team he plays for but Love gets looked over way too much. He has an extremely high basketball IQ and see’s the whole floor. Love is like an evolved version of Tim Duncan, with a sweeter jump shot.
The Timberwolves are a playoff contending team this year and Love is showing that he can run and control a playoff team. He has a very bright career in front of him being only 25 years old.
With confidence, I tell you, Kevin Love is the best big man in the NBA.
Statistics credited to basketball-reference, nba.com and draftexpress.com
I got to go Lamarcus Aldridge. He’s playing lights out and he has revitalized Portland. Aldridge is big time. He could even be a candidate for MVP
Aldridge is good but I believe Love has him beat. I’d even have Aldridge at #2 in Big Men right behind Kevin Love.