Kevin Love, the Wolves’ fourth year All-Star forward, ranks fourth in NBA scoring average at 25.6 points per game and second in rebounding at 13.8, but team owner Glen Taylor isn’t ready to label him a superstar.
“No, I don’t think you want to give a person the title of a superstar until you put in a little more time and stuff like this,” Taylor said. “Star is appropriate. His scoring and rebounding is exceptional.”
Taylor’s view is players earn the superstar label by leading their teams in the playoffs. The Wolves have yet to make the playoffs in the 23-year-old Love’s first four NBA seasons, although Minnesota is a possibility this spring.
Taylor also believes potential superstars need supporting talent for them to reach their full potential. “The important thing is can I, David Kahn (general manager) and coach (Rick Adelman) surround him (Love) with players to elevate the player to that level?”
Love’s improvement has been dramatic. He averaged 11.1, 14 and 20.2 points per game his first three seasons. His rebounding averages were 9.1, 11.2 and 15.2.
Love has made a favorable reputation off the court, too, involving himself with community work including his coat drive for the needy. He’s a media favorite because of his intelligence, personality and temperament.
Earlier this season Love signed a four-year contract reportedly worth about $60 million. In Love’s last three games he’s scored 99 points and grabbed 49 rebounds.