"The question has to be asked: Would Kevin Love be leading the NBA in rebounding today if the Timberwolves still had Al Jefferson?

Probably not. The reasons why Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn and coach Kurt Rambis wanted to trade Jefferson have become dramatically clear, particularly in the past three games.

Getting the majority of minutes at the power forward spot, Love has had the freedom to maneuver in the lane for rebounds, while Michael Beasley has demonstrated the potential to be one of the league's more versatile small forwards — with the ability to shoot outside and drive to the basket.

The Love-Beasley combination is working much better than the disjointed LoveJefferson tandem, which has helped Love move to the top of the league in rebounding with 146 total boards and a 14.6 per-game average.

"I still have a lot of room to grow and a lot to prove," Love said. "But as far as rebounding goes, if I can keep doing that kind of stuff, I know I can find a niche in this league and be a very good player."

Love's emphatic 31 rebounds Friday night against the New York Knicks moved him ahead of Chicago's Joakim Noah, who after Saturday night's game against Washington is averaging 13.1 rebounds.

Love used the Knicks game to earn rare national attention for the Wolves (3-7). His performance also might have been a signature moment in the development of him and Beasley as a front-line duo. Beasley stayed out of Love's way and scored 35 points. "