Feb 7, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) holds the ball as New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23) defends in the second half at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 98-91. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Love
When it comes the stats and numbers that are put up, Davis and Kevin Love are complete freaks of nature. Both can put up monster games on a regular basis, and both can make a lot of heads turn on the court. Both are really once in a lifetime players. Question is, which one has the edge?
Offensively: Kevin Love
Love has a definite edge offensively, just because he can do just about everything on that side of the court. His stellar three point shooting sets him apart from many other big men, and has that insane lower-body leverage that allows him to dominate the boards just about every game. His 2010-2011 campaign, where he averaged over 15 rebounds a game, was something else. That included the famous 31 point 31 rebound game and a streak of 53 consecutive games with a double-double. That was two shy of Elgin Baylor’s record. Davis has shown light of an elite offensive game, but doesn’t yet have the big package that Davis has.
Defensively: Anthony Davis
Davis wins defensively by a landslide. He has already proved himself to be an elite rim protector, and his freakish athleticism allows him to do everything defensively. Whether it’s blocking shots, getting steals or defending on the perimeter, Davis will excel, making him one of the best defenders in the league. Love simply isn’t a great defender, I say that because he has yet to average at least one block or steal throughout his career. It’s one of the few things that he needs to improve on.