On July 14, Bleacher Report came out with its list of the top 100 players in NBA history. As always with lists like these, it created a lot of debate between fans of all teams.
For former Timberwolves players who made it, of course, Kevin Garnett found his way onto the list. He was placed in the 16th slot, just ahead of Nikola Jokic and just behind Jerry West. Jimmy Butler and Chauncey Billups, two former Minnesota players, also made the list. They both did much of their damage with other teams, though.
Not on the list was former Timberwolves great Kevin Love, someone who certainly has a strong case to be considered a top-100 player.
Love’s time with Timberwolves
Love has now played 17 seasons in the NBA, his first six coming with the Timberwolves. While the team ultimately wasn’t very successful in his time there (missing the playoffs every year), very few made quite the impact that Love did via the box score.
A part-time starter his first two years, Love really began making his mark in his third season. That year, he was named the 2010-11 Most Improved Player. It was also his first All-Star appearance, something he would do twice more while donning the Timberwolves jersey.
Over his last four seasons with the team, the 6-foot-10 power forward posted averages of 23.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. In 2010-11, Love led the league, averaging 15.2 rebounds per game.
A true stretch-four, he knocked down 37% of his three-point tries over that time on nearly five attempts per contest. In 2012, Love even won the Three Point Contest.
While Love never put up huge assist totals, it was with Minnesota that he became the master of the outlet pass. He reminded older fans of Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton with his deep launches across the court to a player, which often led to a dunk or lay-up.
On November 12, 2010, Love had one of the most memorable outings in Timberwolves history. In that game against the Knicks, Love scored 31 points and grabbed 31 rebounds. It was the first time a player had at least 30 points and 30 rebounds in a game since Moses Malone back in 1982. Love also dropped 51 points against the Thunder on March 23, 2012.
Love's career after leaving the Wolves
Love has now played 11 more seasons in the league since leaving the Timberwolves, most notably with the Cavaliers. With Cleveland, he earned two more All-Star nods and was the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2021-22. Love played a large role in the famed 2016 team that overcame a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in what was the franchise’s first championship.
Love will turn 37 years old on September 7 and was traded to the Jazz in the offseason. Not fitting Utah’s rebuilding timeline, it remains to be seen if he will remain on their roster. He ranks 38th in NBA history in made three-pointers (1,674) and 50th in rebounds (9,497).
Artis Gilmore (100), Dave Bing (99), Bill Sharman (94), and Lenny Wilkens (92) are a few notable names Love could have made the top 100 over. Ultimately, Kevin Love has a rock-solid case to be considered a top-100 player of all time.