SLAM Top 50: Kevin Love, No. 39

Kevin Love has received a lot of heat ever since joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. Most of it has come from the fact that he hasn’t been putting up numbers like he did when he was with Minnesota.

You can look at it in the pessimistic sense or you can look at it in the optimistic, more so realistic, sense that his 16 points and 9 boards a game were a key part to the Cavs getting the first seed in the NBA Playoffs and eventually, a title. Either way, give the guy credit where credit is due.

K-Love has been putting in work this offseason. In a video with Levi Maestro, Love is shown working on his inside and outside game while mixing in some biking and swimming.

When asked what he wants to be the maestro of, Love says:

“I’m trying to master and be the maestro of my life, whether it’s work in my professional life in Cleveland and even outside the lines professionally. Just try to continue to grow my brand and continue to grow with the Cleveland Cavaliers, I mean, that’s huge. Balance in life is very important. To be able to master that, is something that’s easier said then done, but every day I’m waking up trying conquer that.”

With Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Tristan Thompson in the mix, it’s less about Love’s averages and more about the IQ and rock-solid experience he brings to the team.

While he’s looking to help the Cavs make it back to the Finals to win another Chip, let the haters do their talking.

Rankings are based on expected contribution in 2016-17—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

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