Am I dreaming or did I really just read that Kevin Love, one of the league’s brightest young stars, and oh by the way, the NBA’s leading rebounder with a ridiculous 15.5 per game, was not selected as an All-Star reserve? Correct me if I’m wrong but this is the same Kevin Love who is averaging 21.4 ppg and 15.5 rpg while shooting 44% from down-town from the forward position, right? The same guy who has recorded a double-double in all but 5 games this season? The same guy who if you take off Minnesota, the Timberwolves are lucky to have 5 wins on the year.
If Kevin Love does not fit the role of an NBA All-Star, I don’t know what does. The UCLA product has recorded a double-double in 34 straight contests, the franchise’s longest single-season record. He is only 3 off the T-Wolves all-time franchise record, held by another guy you may know, future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett. While I mean no disrespect to Tim Duncan, there is absolutely nothing that justifies him earning a spot on the Western Conference roster over Mr. Love. While he is a great player, and has been a star in this league for a long time, this was the year the torch should have been passed onto Love. Take a look at the two players’ numbers this year. You’ll there is no comparison whatsoever.
Duncan: 13.6ppg/ 9.4rpg/ 3apg
Love: 21.4 ppg / 15.5 rpg/ 2.5 apg
While I still fully believe that Love will be chosen as the injury replacement for Yao Ming, who was selected as the West’s starting center, the point is it should never even come to that. Kevin Love is an All-Star, no ifs, ands, or buts about it, and it shouldn’t take an injury to get him on that team. The guy has been an absolute monster this season. He is currently on pace to have the highest rebound per game average since Dennis Rodman averaged 16.1 during the 1996-1997 season. Considering Rodman was one of the greatest rebounders this league has ever seen, that adds a little perspective and shows just how special a season Kevin Love is having.