Last year, NBA commissioner David Stern called Kevin Love to serve as Yao Ming's replacement in the 2011 All-Star game.
This year, it was no surprise that Love's name showed up at the top of the reserves list.
"[Love] deserves a lot of credit," commented Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki, also named a Western Conference reserve. "He put in the work this summer to get better. He's shooting the ball better, and he's added a little more to his game in the post. He's going to be a force in this league for a long time."
In his fourth year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Love's numbers continue to improve with each year. His team's losing record may have had an ill reflection on the UCLA alum in the past, but this year the Wolves are gaining intrigue and—at the very least—respect across the league.
Nowitzki, a 14-year veteran, commented on the team's recent progress:
Minnesota is a fun team to watch. They're the next up-and-coming young team. They have length, defenders and playmakers. They have a very bright future.
This has certainly been a season of accomplishments for Love. The forward recently signed a four-year contract extension and was also named a finalist for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.
According to Timberwolves.com, Love is first in double-doubles (22), free throws made (175) and minutes (39.4 MPG), second in rebounding (13.7 RPG) and fourth in scoring (25.0 PPG).
TNT analyst and former NBA star Charles Barkley called Love the "best power forward in the NBA."
Watch out, Minnesota critics. It's no longer to ignore this guy. Love commented:
I’ve had a great season thus far—I attribute that a lot to the coaching staff and my teammates and my coaches helping me through the season. To me, it’s definitely a big deal seeing my name at the top of everybody’s list [...] I’ve put in a lot of work in these first 3 ½ seasons. And I don’t have any intentions on stopping.
To see a full roster for the 2012 All-Star Game, click here.
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