On the Brink: Predicting the fates of 16 borderline NBA Hall of Famers
By Cal Durrett
5) Kevin Love
Miami Heat big man Kevin Love is nearing the end of his career, which has some wondering whether he should make the Hall of Fame. During his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Love was one of the most productive players in the league.
From 2010-11 to 2013-14, four seasons, Love averaged 23.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, and shot 37% from 3 on 4.9 attempts per game. He also made three all-star teams, and two all-NBA teams, and won Most Improved Player of the Year.
After he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his number took a dip, averaging 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds but shooting an impressive 37.6% on six attempts per game. Playing as the third star behind LeBron James and Kyrie Irving may have hurt his numbers but he made the NBA Finals four straight times and won a championship in 2016.
Even so, Love has already made five all-star teams and is on pace to score at least 16,000 points, grab 10,000 rebounds, and make 1,700 threes. Those might be arbitrary numbers but Love would join LeBron and Dirk Nowitzki as the only players to ever have at least 16,000 career points, 10,000 rebounds and 1500 made threes.
All in all, Love's peak of four years made him one of the best players in the NBA. While his numbers dropped off in Cleveland, making five all-star teams, winning a major award, and being a starter on five NBA Finals teams give him a decent chance to get in but not a great one.