Will Hardy passionately celebrates Kevin Love’s contributions
Kevin Love has always been a consummate professional, and although many thought he would force a buyout, quite understandably, when he was traded to Utah Jazz he stayed put in the offseason. Now he has become an integral part of the young team.
The Miami Heat traded love to the Jazz in a three-team deal that included the Los Angeles Clippers. It was a sad development for the veteran forward, as he loved his time with the Heat. But he has since moved on, providing the Jazz with a much-needed steady presence.
Before Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Utah coach Will Hardy expressed his gratitude for 37-year-old Love.
“When I talked to Kevin before camp, I was trying to make sure he knew the value I saw in him and that I saw the right role for him in our group,” Hardy said in a video posted by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“We’re excited to have him. We need him. We need veteran leadership in our locker room. He’s been where all our guys want to go — he’s won at the highest level.”
“We need him.” Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy gives a 2 1/2-minute impassioned response about Kevin Love’s importance to his team after the 18-year veteran landed in Utah in an unexpected offseason trade from Miami. pic.twitter.com/NDkGVlp2A9
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 19, 2025
37-year-old Hardy admitted that he is still learning and that sometimes rejects ideas with Lovehighlighting the importance of the 18-year veteran, who won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I think the veterans in our league need to be approached and utilized,” Hardy added, noting that Lion’s voice in film sessions is very important.
Love, a five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA team member, also gave the Jazz quality minutes off the bench. He is averaging 4.9 minutes, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 14.1 minutes per appearance.
2025-11-19 03:35:00
