Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor took a few parting shots at his former superstar forward Kevin Love on Tuesday.
ESPN reports that Taylor thinks Love may get exposed for defensive liabilities now that he is joining the high-profile Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Wolves traded Love to the Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal that netted Minnesota a package of Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and Thaddeus Young. They were introduced at the Minnesota State Fair on Tuesday.
“I think where maybe he got away with some stuff not playing defense on our team, I’m not sure that’s how it’s going to work in Cleveland,” Taylor told 1500 ESPN on Tuesday. “I would guess they’re going to ask him to play more defense and he’s foul prone.”
Taylor added the addition of Love doesn’t guarantee an NBA championship for the Cavaliers. SB Nation notes that Taylor believes Love could get lost amongst some big names already in Cleveland.
“I question Kevin if this is going to be the best deal for him because I think he’s going to be the third player on a team. I don’t think he’s going to get a lot of credit if they do really well. I think he’ll get the blame if they don’t do well. He’s going to have to learn to handle that.”
Taylor also said Love never told him directly he wanted to be traded and he questioned Love’s health.
“The only thing that I have a question (about) is (on Love’s) health,” Taylor told the Pioneer Press Tuesday. “I had the concern (in 2012). I still have that concern, and I think Cleveland should that concern too.”
Glen Taylor saying MN had concerns about Love's health.Y they only gave him 4 years. Pshh. On avg he played in 71 games 1st 3 yrs.77 last yr
— Bryant Johnson (@BryantJohnson1) August 26, 2014
Love missed all but 18 games with the Wolves during the 2012-13 season because of a broken hand. He was healthy last year and averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game for the Wolves last season.
Despite the criticism, Taylor admitted that he wished they had given Love the max deal he wanted in 2012.
“Knowing what we know now, I would have signed him to the five years,” Taylor said. “Kevin, his offensive skills got better than we estimated.”
Taylor said he and Love have a good relationship, but the Wolves owner admits that he hasn’t spoken to Love recently. He may not have another chance until Love and the Cavaliers return to Target Center on Jan. 31.
