Kevin Love: 6 Areas Where His NBA Game Still Needs to Improve

Kevin Love received a number of accolades this past season: All-Star, Most Improved Player, Top Rebounder, and most importantly for his team, Alpha Dog. Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams are two valuable additions, but Kevin Love is the Wolves cornerstone

Before the offseason optimism gets the best of us Timberwolves fans, we must remind ourselves that the team has miles to go. The Wolves ranked nearly dead last on defense. The team also seems to be void of a franchise leader. Kevin Love can make significant contributions to these areas.

In order for the Minnesota Timberwolves to win more games, Kevin Love needs to improve as well. Here are some areas where Love needs to step up his game.

1. Defending the Paint

From the looks of it, Kevin Love will probably be splitting time at center and power forward. KLove needs to improve his interior defense if the Wolves are going to make the power sharing agreement with Derrick Williams a viable option.

The frontcourts of the Northwest Division toyed with the Wolves. Lamarcus Aldridge averaged 30.5 ppg, 9.5 reb., and 57% shooting in four games against the Timberwolves last season. Paul Milsap also averaged 26.5 pts against Minnesota. Kevin Durant aput up huge numbers with an average of 32 pts per game. These big guys were in the driver seat while the Wolves front court was basically helpless. Love and his .4 blocks per game average did not do much to help stop the bleeding.

2. Low Post Scoring

The Wolves need a strong post finisher. Love shoots well from the three point line and possesses a good mid range jumper. However, his low post game is bland. His most consistent shot (the small hook from the right side) is ineffective against big men like Dwight Howard. Love's biggest asset is his energy on the glass and he needs to channel that in his post game.

Love should take a page from his former coach, Kevin McHale and develop some fancy footwork around the basket.

3. Stepping Up in Big Games

The Wolves need to win games against big teams. If the team wants to grow, they need to win games against teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, and Mavericks. Kevin Love needs to step it up against these teams.

Against the Lakers, Love just averaged 31% from the floor and 12.8 points. Miami held Love in check on the glass, limiting him to 6.5 rebounds. In his one game against Boston, Love shot just 27%.

 Big teams call for big performances.

4. Leadership

The Wolves have been lacking a true leader for a quite a long time. Kevin Love is young, but he has the right attitude to lead this team. His team USA experience provided a good opprotunity for growth. The team needs an emotional leader. Due to his maturity, personality, and talent, Kevin Love is the man for the job.

5. Tenacity

The Wolves need to instill fear in opponents. Love is the most ferocious rebounder in the game, but was soft in other areas. Kevin needs to get physical in the paint. He only averaged two personal fouls a game. He needs to step up and strike down the high fliers who have had their way with the Wolves defense.

6. High Fives

This is just embarrassing.

Improvement

Kevin Love is the best player on the Timberwolves. Management has repeatedly said Love is untouchable. In order for this Wolves team to reach the next level, their All-Star forward needs to take a few steps forward as well.

He is still the best rebounder in the league and is one of the best shooting big men of the past decade. Once he improves his post presence and intangibles, Kevin Love will be a true superstar.