Kevin Love At #3? How Quickly Things Change

Months ago, pundits considered UCLA forward Kevin Love with the sort of backhanded 'great college player' scorn usually reserve for 5'9 point guards and Tyler Hansbrough. Even weeks ago, when Love declared for the draft, respectable types argued his size and lack of athleticism should keep his stock in the mid-first.

But trainer-to-the-stars Joe Abunassar got ahold of Love's decidedly unchiseled body and went to work. (And I'm sure Love put in some amount of effort, too; chortle.) I wasn't the only guy who assumed the reformation would rocket Love up the draft boards. But DraftExpress has a bit of shocker how high Love's stock has already reached.

Numerous sources with varying ties to Minnesota confirmed to DraftExpress over the past few days that Timberwolves GM Kevin McHale has locked in on UCLA freshman Kevin Love as possibly his favorite prospect in this draft.

Minnesota picks at #3. Of course, they could work out an agreement to move down a few picks to get Love and something for their troubles, as DX suggests (with Memphis at #5 as a candidate). But let us not forget the last time McHale had a pick swap worked out.

In 2006, Minnesota had the #6. A deal had been worked at with Memphis (by way of Houston) at #8: we'll pick Brandon Roy for you, you take Randy Foye for us and include a little something as a sweetener. One hitch: Portland's Kevin Pritchard, picking #7, decided he liked Roy. To muck up the swap, he took Foye and knowing that's the player McHale really wanted, forced an even swap (#6 for #7) with no extra considerations.

Seattle's Sam Presti picks #4. He has been known to deftly maneuver when it comes to trades and draft picks. Beware, Wolves.

(And never mind that Love, while a great prospect, basically duplicates Al Jefferson: elite rebounder, great post scorer, undersized on defense. Love would be placed in more of a high-post role next to Big Al -- fine, he can shoot and pass like few others, but that negates some of his offensive glass potential and crafty pivot skills.)

Previously on FanHouse:
NBA Frankenstein: Kevin Love