Kevin Love has defied expectations by opting to stay with the Utah Jazz instead of being bought out, despite being traded to the team in July. The 37-year-old forward had been linked to several contenders this offseason, but he's instead chosen to commit to a young and rebuilding Jazz roster.
Love admits that he was emotional when the trade went down, but the organization has won him over with their culture and camaraderie. "I think in some way, I see it around the league โ it can become an ungrateful league," he said in an interview. "Players don't really know how good they have it, how amazing this league can be, and benefits you. You're living a dream that you've had."
Love's decision is seen as a vote of confidence in the Jazz organization, which has undergone significant changes since his arrival. Despite being expected to contend for a championship last season, the team finished with a 17-65 record โ the worst in the league. This season, they've shown promise, winning games against top teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers.
Love is now averaging 13.5 minutes per game, which has been a pleasant surprise given his reduced role with the Miami Heat last season. He attributes this to the Jazz's willingness to give him opportunities to contribute, saying that they've made him feel "very authentic" as a player. Love is also looking forward to mentoring some of the younger players on the roster, including No. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey and Keyonte George.
The veteran big man has also been open about his growing investment in Shift Naturals, an Oregon-based wellness brand that specializes in hemp-infused beverages and gummies. Love says he's taken a liking to the products, which are clean, healthy, and taste great. He's now considering handing out some of these products to his new Jazz teammates as a way to unwind after games and practices.
Love's commitment to the Jazz has sparked excitement among fans, who have been eager to see what this young team can achieve. With Love leading by example, there's reason to believe that the Jazz might just be onto something special this season.
Love admits that he was emotional when the trade went down, but the organization has won him over with their culture and camaraderie. "I think in some way, I see it around the league โ it can become an ungrateful league," he said in an interview. "Players don't really know how good they have it, how amazing this league can be, and benefits you. You're living a dream that you've had."
Love's decision is seen as a vote of confidence in the Jazz organization, which has undergone significant changes since his arrival. Despite being expected to contend for a championship last season, the team finished with a 17-65 record โ the worst in the league. This season, they've shown promise, winning games against top teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers.
Love is now averaging 13.5 minutes per game, which has been a pleasant surprise given his reduced role with the Miami Heat last season. He attributes this to the Jazz's willingness to give him opportunities to contribute, saying that they've made him feel "very authentic" as a player. Love is also looking forward to mentoring some of the younger players on the roster, including No. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey and Keyonte George.
The veteran big man has also been open about his growing investment in Shift Naturals, an Oregon-based wellness brand that specializes in hemp-infused beverages and gummies. Love says he's taken a liking to the products, which are clean, healthy, and taste great. He's now considering handing out some of these products to his new Jazz teammates as a way to unwind after games and practices.
Love's commitment to the Jazz has sparked excitement among fans, who have been eager to see what this young team can achieve. With Love leading by example, there's reason to believe that the Jazz might just be onto something special this season.