This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
If Kevin Love does not make the Western Conference All-Star team, it will be because Minnesota is struggling, not his lack of production.
Love is the emerging star of the Timberwolves, who are 10-36 after Friday night's 108-100 loss to the Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena.
A third-year power forward out of UCLA, Love averages 21.6 points and a league-leading 15.7 rebounds.
After scoring 22 points and grabbing 15 rebounds against Utah, he posted his 32nd straight double-double.
"He's such a great rebounder," said Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. "His rebound preparation is probably as good as anybody you'll see.
"As soon as that shot goes up, he starts looking for an opening to get into to get the ball — plus move people out of that position if he has to.
"He's a tough customer."
Love was not voted into the All-Star Game by the fans.
His chance rests with Western Conference coaches, who will vote for the reserves.
Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis believes Love belongs in the All-Star Game.
"If you look at where he was last year and where he is this year, he's made tremendous strides," Rambis said.
"He's worked very, very hard this summer to have the kind of season he's having. And he's been rewarded for it. The numbers are his reward."
Team values
Forbes magazine ranked NBA franchises according to value this week.
The Jazz, valued at $343 million, are 16th in the 30-team league.
The New York Knicks are No. 1 with a value of $655 million, which is 12 percent greater than last year.
The franchises sandwiching the Jazz are No. 15 Cleveland at $355 million and No. 17 Philadelphia at $330 million.
Briefly
Memo Okur strained his back in the first half and did not return. … Paul Millsap had a career-high six steals. … Combined, the Jazz and Timberwolves had lost 16 of their previous 17 games. … Former Jazz first-rounder Kosta Koufos was inactive for Minnesota. … The Jazz allowed 100 points for the ninth time in 12 games.