Kevin Love backs the player changes mades during a busy off season; hopeful for future ....
The Minnesota Timberwolves were in position to reach the playoffs last season, but a series of injuries to their rising stars, coupled with a poor run near the end of the season had them missing out on the opportunity of making
their first playoff appearance since 2004.
After the season, the Wolves current franchise player and the man who is expected to take the team into the future, Kevin Love, talked about how the team needed to make some improvements in the offseason, and how he wanted to be
in a playoff contending team, even if it meant leaving Minnesota.
Considering the fact that Love is regarded as one of the best power forwards in the game right now, and how he has changed the landscape of the Wolves basketball within a few years, team President David Kahn got to work. Kahn went
into the offseason and free agency looking for experience and talent to surround Love and Ricky Rubio, the upcoming point guard of the Wolves.
After winning the Gold Medal at the 2012 London Olympics with team USA, Love is back getting ready for the upcoming season and excited about the possibilities it holds.
“I have faith in this team. I have faith in what we've done this offseason,” said Love on Tuesday.
The Wolves added Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko and Alexey Shved to the roster in the summer. They also acquired big man Greg Stiemsma and forward Dante Cunningham, adding maturity and experience to one of the youngest team in the
NBA.
After signing a four year extension worth $60 million with the Wolves, Love is set to remain in Minnesota for the future and leading them back to the top of the West.
Last season, Love averaged 26 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, and then came out of the Olympics having won a gold medal and the respect of his teammates as well as long time team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski.
"It was a tremendous summer for me, and a tremendous summer for our team. I think heading forward, there are a number of guys that will help us, especially in relation to last year. There are a lot of guys that will help us and
help our locker room,” said Love.
With an improved roster that is now buzzing with talent, experience and enthusiasm, the Wolves are right where they wanted to be ahead of the 2012-2013 NBA season, and Love can’t help but look forward to competing in the first
playoffs of his career in May.
"I really think we have a great shot to make the playoffs. If anyone else says otherwise, I think we have to go out there and prove what we're made of,” added Love.
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