The NBA best players 2014 list was recently released by Sports Illustrated, where Kevin Love advanced from the 13th to the 7th spot.

Rob Mahoney and Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated cited, "Rankings were assigned based on a fluid combination of subjective assessment and objective data. This is an earnest attempt to evaluate each player in a vacuum." Mahoney added, "To blame Love for what became of the Timberwolves last season is to miss the point entirely. During Love's time on the floor, Minnesota registered the net rating of a top-10 team. It was when Love sat that the Wolves so often fell to pieces."

In a report by Yahoo! Sports, Love's playing style should be compatible to the offensive strategy of David Blatt, head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. At 25 years old, Love is still about to reach his peak. In 2013-2014, he averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from the three-point range.

Although Love's defense requires more work, he is expected to improve on the other end of the court with the Cavs. With his new team, particularly playing alongside No. 1 LeBron James, Love will get better overall. Fellow Cavalier Kyrie Irving was ranked at No. 21. This means that Cleveland has three NBA best players 2014 in the top 25, making them one of the favorites to win the conference and overall NBA title.

In a report by HNGN, four young NBA best players 2014 entered the top 10 in a span of one year. Aside from Kevin Love, Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers moved from 19th to 10th place. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors improved from 15th to 8th place and Anthony Davis made the biggest leap from No. 41 to No. 6. LeBron remained in the top spot since 2013.