Andrew Wiggins only wanted to play for a team that wanted him, and now that wish has been granted. The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly agreed to a trade that will send Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Minnesota will receive Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a 2015 first-round selection.
LeBron James has been open about his desire to become an owner after his playing days are over. Right now he looks like the best general manager in the NBA. Cleveland just went from an outside threat to win the east, to the favorites to represent the conference in the NBA finals.
Love averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds per contest last season. Shaquille O'Neal was the last player to switch teams after averaging at least 25 points and 10 rebounds a night. That Move didn't pan out right away. Kobe Bryant needed time to develop into the second star. The Lakers also needed to get the right coach in place to manage all that talent.
The good thing about Love joining Cleveland is his youth. The talented forward is just entering his prime. Kyrie Irving is 22 years old. LeBron is the elder statesman of the trio. Physical fitness has never been an issue for LeBron. The future is shining bright in Cleveland.
Minnesota fans have no reason to have Ill feelings towards Love. The fact of the matter is Minnesota has yet to develop a winning tradition. Love is entering his seventh season. The wear and tear begins when you enter the league, and doesn't stop until your retired. Tomorrow isn't a guarantee for any professional athlete. Kevin Garnett had the time of his life in Boston, following twelve grueling years in Minnesota. I'm sure Love will more than enjoy the comradery in Cleveland.
Minnesota came away as winners in this deal also. Wiggins has all the tools to be a great player. He's a solid defender, has a great wing span, has a great motor and is willing to be taught. These are characteristics not seen often in an 18 year old. Anthony Bennett had a disappointing rookie campaign. However, he began to show signs towards the latter parts of last season. If Bennett can come close to meeting the expectations of a number one pick, Minnesota might have a deadly nucleus a few years down the road. Wiggins and Bennett are both natives of Canada. They both should receive great fan support in the Twin Cities.
David Blatt 's job keeps getting better and better. I can't remember any first time NBA coach coming into a better situation. Blatt has yet to coach on an NBA sideline even as an assistant. The fact that LeBron is such a student of the game will help the transition process for Blatt.
LeBron, Love and Irving all averaged at least twenty points a game last season. Those numbers will all likely take a hit this season. These things take time, even with arguably the best two forwards in the NBA on the same roster. The Miami Heat got off to a 9-8 start LeBron's first year in South Beach. It took time for LeBron, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to adjust to being teammates.
LeBron's desire has always been to have talent around him in Cleveland. Lately it seems like LeBron gets whatever he wants. He certainly got the man every big market team was salivating over acquiring next summer. Now NBA front offices can turn their hopes to Kevin Durant.
There is a new big-time in town!
No comments:
Post a Comment