"Kevin Love didn't have to wait for a phone call this time from NBA Commissioner David Stern.

Leading the NBA with 22 double-doubles and having established himself as one of the league's most consistent players, it was a safe assumption that the Timberwolves forward would be one of seven reserves named Thursday to the Western Conference roster for the Feb. 26 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando, Fla.

The season-long endorsement of TNT analyst Charles Barkley hasn't hurt, either. Barkley has labeled Love the "best power forward in the NBA," making Love's second all-star selection even more of a formality.

Now Love has one more reason to celebrate when he rejoins the Wolves (13-13) for tonight's game against Dallas at Target Center.

"If there is a good way to end a suspension, this is the way to do it," Love said of the two-game penalty he served for stepping on the face and upper body of Houston's Luis Scola on Feb. 4. "I'm looking forward to getting back on the court."

Love's first all-star appearance last season in Los Angeles was the result of former Houston center Yao Ming's foot injury. The Western Conference needed a player, and Stern called to see if Love was interested. That call, while the Wolves were in Toronto, led to an emotional phone conversation a few minutes later between Love and his father, Stan, a former NBA player.

There was no tear-jerking drama Thursday evening. Love knew in the morning that the 15 Western Conference head coaches

had selected him based on the way he has picked up where he left off last season - arguably performing as the league's top dual threat. "