To few people’s surprise, Kevin Love was one of the league’s best backup big men in his first full season with the Miami Heat last season. However, Father Time is undefeated, and Love turned 36-years-old in September and is entering his 17th NBA season.
During his media day session last week, Love was open about wanting to play 20 seasons.
“I think settling and not looking at the next 12 months, I have a little bit of a runway for at least two years and we’ll see after that,” he said. “Would love to get to that round number in 20. Certainly love being here–playing, giving myself to the team, keeping the locker room light and fun. It made a lot of sense on my end to look for that and want to be here at least for two more years.”
Love declined his $4.0 million player option entering free agency this summer, though re-signed to a two-year, $8 million deal in the opening minutes of free agency. By doing so, there was an approximate $178K reduction in Love’s 2024-25 salary for Love relative to his player option, but every dollar counts with where the Heat stand near the punitive second apron.
Since Udonis Haslem’s departure, Love has assumed the role of being a key veteran leader and voice within the locker room. The vibes are always high when Love is in the air!
Miami drafted center Kel’el Ware and re-signed big man Thomas Bryant to take pressure off Love, who averaged 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in just 16.8 minutes per game last season. Barring something unforeseen, it’s difficult to see Love maintaining that level of production over a full 82-game season, which carries a tax in it of itself.
Miami hasn’t had much reliable insurance behind Bam Adebayo over the last five seasons; Love has been perhaps the best insurance. Though with the infusion of Ware–who’s still raw–he should have more help, especially in the latter stages of the season.
Only 10 NBA players have reached the 20-year benchmark, including Haslem, though current Spurs guard Chris Paul is entering his 20th NBA season. Moses Malone, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd and Tim Duncan were among those who played 19 seasons; Ray Allen, Hakeem Olajuwon (RIP), Reggie Miller, Kyle Lowry, Grant Hill and Tony Parker played 18 seasons.
Do you think Love can reach the 20-year benchmark? Let us know in the comments!
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3 Observations as Heat return from training camp, brace for preseason actionJimmy Butler has taken on the role of the czar of good vibes.
https://allucanheat.com/posts/3-observation-miami-heat-return-from-training-camp?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=e0273490fd355e2c28bdb25751d41af65a4dd80936ff00a80be9866c97887955
I’m glad to see Jimmy come into camp with a positive attitude and a willingness to be a team leader. The team picks up on his vibes and follows them, whether they be good or bad. If he is serious and focused, the team will be too. I’ve been very critical of him, but I am willing to give him the opportunity to prove himself. My cup is still half-full when it comes to the potential of this team, especially if they can remain healthy and the young players can continue developing. I’m excited about the season.
GO HEAT!!!