Golden State Warriors: The Kevin Love Situation

How It Would Work:

Defensively, adding Love seems like a minus, and swapping Martin for Thompson certainly is. But let’s not forget that Bogut and the Warriors’ perimeter defenders made up for the defensive black hole that was David Lee, so if the Dubs could have a top-five defense with him playing significant minutes, they can certainly survive with Love playing the power forward position, especially since he actually fared quite well on one-on-one post ups this year per Synergy Sports.

Make no mistake, the Warriors’ defense will still depend heavily on Bogut’s skills in the middle and Iggy’s strength on the wing, but their offense more than likely would be able to make up for it. Mark Jackson‘s rotations last year were questionable at best, so Golden State’s success will probably depend on Steve Kerr being able to upgrade the offense while keeping the defense intact. But a Curry-Love pick and roll/pick and pop is a deadly potential combination, especially if the Warriors can put enough shooters on the wings.

Love shot 37.6 percent from downtown last year, and that was with defenses keying in on him for every possession. Defenses were able to sag off Ricky Rubio in pick and roll situations with Love because he couldn’t shoot; Curry doesn’t suffer from that same problem. Can you imagine even the best pick and roll defenses trying to pick their poison trying to contain Steph Curry’s penetration or step-back dribble, not to mention Love rolling to the basket or popping out for an open perimeter look?

The Timberwolves are going to get plenty of Godfather offers this offseason for their superstar. Despite Saunders’ stance that Love will be in a Minnesota uniform next season, he may have to take the best offer on the table, and the Dubs could be one of the best if they’re only willing to include a promising wing who will probably never be elite. Love is worth the investment and since he prefers Golden State to almost any other destination, it’d be a win-win. If you want to know what falling in Love is, you have to be willing to break the ice first. Even at the risk of the chaperone.

How likely do you think it is Kevin Love and the Golden State Warriors end up together? Let Gerald know in the comments or on Twitter!