Timberwolves forward, Kevin Love

Kevin Love signed a 4 year contract extension worth $60- $62 million with his current team, The Minnesota Timberwolves. Since last season, Love has been the focal point for the struggling T- Wolves. He currently holds the record for most consecutive double doubles (points and rebounds) at 53. The record was previously held by Hall of Famer Moses Malone with 51 until Love broke it last season.

The critics who don’t believe in his game say he only produces great statistics because he plays on a bad team. WRONG. This year, the Wolves are 8- 10 (4- 14 last season after the first 18 games) and have established themselves as a rising  franchise. With Love inked for the next four years, this gives the twin city area fans some light at the end of the tunnel.

New players such as guard JJ Barea, Rookie Derrick Williams, and passing sensation Rookie guard Ricky Rubio give the Wolves a bright future. President of Basketball Operations David Khan is using fundamentals to build a legit contender. The major market teams are able to sign and/or trade for the big stars while the smaller market owners are forced to use the draft.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a perfect example.  The Thunder drafted Kevin Durant second overall pick in the 2007 draft. The following year, they selected point guard Russell Westbrook fourth overall. Lastly in the 2009 draft, the Thunder drafted  James Harden third overall. Below are the records of the Thunder since drafting Kevin Durant.

1.) 2007- 2008 (20- 62)

2.) 2008- 2009 (23- 59)

3.) 2009-2010 (50- 32)

4.) 2010- 2011 (55- 27)

GET IT ? Fans and the media strongly recommend that teams need to “buy” star players in order to become a contender for a title. If you draft accordingly, keep key pieces, and add significant role players, you will become a contender. Kudos to Kevin Love for staying in Minnesota in hopes of turning the franchise around.

UNTIL NEXT TIME 🙂