Kevin Love is Thinking Playoffs

The West Coast native and recent Olympian is getting “pumped” for the upcoming NBA season.

By: Kristina Callahan

AP Photo/ Jim Mone

Mr. Kevin Love is sporting some new metal this season. No not, jewelry or the oh-so-famous Ryan Lochte grill. He does have something that Lochte has though. Not Speedos, but a gold medal. Love and his teammates came back from London in early August with the beloved hardware.

When Love returned from London he saw many new faces in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves brought in shooting guard Brandon Roy, forward Andrei Kirilenko, and hard-nosed forward Dante Cunningham. The 24-year-old made it clear to David Kahn that some changes had to happen during the offseason. The double-double machine told ESPN that he was happy with what he sees so far.

"It was a tremendous summer for me, and a tremendous summer for our team," Love said. "I think heading forward, there are a number of guys that will help us, especially in relation to last year. There are a lot of guys that will help us and help our locker room."

Minnesota sent Anthony Randolph, Michael Beasley, and Darko Milicic packing in order to bring in some veteran leadership and talent. After averaging 26 points and 13.3 rebounds last season, Love solidified himself as the league’s best power forward, but he’s never been a guy to brag or boast about his skills. He is excited for the talent that the Wolves brought in and eager to see what the returning players can do this year.

"We've definitely added value to this team," Love said. "I think the locker room is really going to be great and I think the players we have on this team can make an immediate impact."

After playing alongside all-stars like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony, Love saw what a winning locker room looks and feels like. With the new additions, the fifth year veteran hopes that the same professionalism and commitment can be embodied in the T-Wolves locker room. 

Could the revamped locker room bolster Minnesota into the playoffs for the first time since 2004? Love doesn’t see why not.

"I really think we have a great shot to make the playoffs," Love said. "If anyone else says otherwise, I think we have to go out there and prove what we're made of."