Minnesota Timberwolves: Why Kevin Love Is the Real MVP

By definition, the NBA's MVP should be awarded to a player who is the cornerstone of their respective franchise—a competitor who would see his team fall without his contributions.

Unfortunately, since the 1982-83 season, the Maurice Podoloff trophy has been given to those playing on teams with a winning record of more than 50 games. While this seemingly supports the argument for the winner, many candidates are overlooked due to their club’s struggles.

One of these men is Kevin Love.

Last season, Love dominated the glass and solidified himself into not only a premier rebounder but one of the premier power forwards in the game. His averages of 20.2 points and 15.2 rebounds were almost overlooked, but eventually, he was selected to the NBA All-Star Game as a replacement for the injured Yao Ming.

He has followed up winning the Most Improved Player award last season with a spectacular one this year. Below are his statistical numbers for the 2011-12 season.

	MIN	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OR	DR	REB	AST	BLK	STL	PF	TO	PTS
Love	39.0	8.6	19.3	.448	1.9	5.1	.372	6.9	8.4	.824	4.1	9.2	13.3	2.0	0.5	0.9	2.8	2.3	26.0

As you can see, Love not only overshadowed many with his rebounding, he also improved his scoring, moving up to fourth in the league. This is a major accomplishment both in terms of efficiency, but also the disparity between Love and the next scorer on the list.

Russell Westbrook of the Thunder averaged 23.6 PPG, which in itself is an achievement, but it also points to the fact that Love is now one of the elite scorers in the NBA.

Love also won the three-point shootout at the NBA All-Star weekend, defeating Kevin Durant in the final round. He made 105 three-point field goals on the season, good for 21st in total three-point field goals made, and his most notable three-pointer was a game-winning bucket to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers.

Love also led the league in double-doubles, offensive rebounds per game and had the fifth highest rebounds per 48-minute rate. His 13.3 per night, combined with his scoring output, put his versatility on display.

He will be a dominant, face-up power forward for years to come. Love has yet to become a great defender, but the same could be said for Dirk Nowitzki when he won the award in 2007.

His value to the Minnesota Timberwolves is clear, and it should merit his consideration for the NBA MVP award. Yet, as mentioned, the team’s record somehow affects a single player’s award.

With a dismal record of 26-40, the Timberwolves slipped from playoff consideration, as point guard Ricky Rubio tore the ACL in his knee, thereby ending his spectacular rookie season. What is notable is the fact that the Wolves went 24-31 with Love in the lineup.

If the award is given to he who is most valuable, Kevin Love should be the winner.