Minnesota Timberwolves better off without Kevin Love?
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers finally completed a deal that sent star power forward Kevin Love. The Timberwolves received swingman Andrew Wiggins, forward Anthony Bennett and forward Thaddeus Young in the deal.
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Although Love is a fantastic player, Steve Kyler wonders if the Timberwolves may be better without Love off in the long run.
"On paper, it was a good haul for a star player everyone knew was disgruntled and bent on testing free agency next summer.The deal seemingly helps Cleveland and Minnesota. The Timberwolves never finished .500 or better with Love in the fold as their leading man. In Cleveland, Love will be asked to be the second or third option and is poised to thrive in this role.Cleveland may win the short term version of this, but keep an eye on Minnesota a few years down the road when the young pups start to truly come into their own."
Obviously, the Timberwolves would love if any one of these players was as productive as Love. However, because they had so much trouble surrounding Love with talent, they really may be better off.
Love averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game last season while shooting 45.7% from the field, 37.6% from three and 82.1% from the charity stripe last season. Bennett averaged 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 35.6% from the field, 24.5% from beyond the arc and 63.8% from the free throw line. Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game for the Jayhawks last season while shooting 44.8% from the field, 34.1% from beyond the arc and 77.5% from the free throw line. Wiggins was ranked as the top prospect in the draft by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.
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