If two is a company but three is a crowd, what can the third option of a "Big Three" do to avoid falling off when he aligns with two more talented NBA scorers?

There have been a few great instances of trios to use as examples and form conclusions on what works best for a third option on a stacked team. There has to be a difference that distinguishes the great successes like Los Angeles Lakers' legend James Worthy and Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh from the apparent failures of one Kevin Love, most specifically.

Why has Love failed this postseason? What is different about Love’s game and attitude towards it than was the case with Bosh in Miami? 

It seems the primary cause for these fall-offs could be the mentality of a player. Love thrived on being “the man” in Minnesota, and every aspect of his game was better because of it. While it may be possible to recapture that swagger, could Love just revamp his game without a change in scenery? Is it an issue of playing with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, or is Love really just best suited to be the best player on a non-playoff team?

Successful examples

Chris Bosh now dons two rings because of his ability to be the third-chair on a great Miami Heat team. Bosh took a backseat to both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, but when the time came and his number was called, he delivered. Bosh never seemed to be shy, and he interspersed his consistent efforts with the occasional huge game.

Chris Bosh thrived even after seeing his role greatly reduced. (Photo: Jerome Miron, USA Today Sports)
Chris Bosh thrived even after seeing his role greatly reduced. (Photo: Jerome Miron, USA Today Sports)

Bosh also began to work harder on defense, a result of having more energy to spend on that side of the court. While he was a Toronto Raptor, he had to be the No. 1 option offensively and the chance to shine defensively was distant. In Miami, Bosh redefined himself and essentially became a role player whose talents were that of a star.

The same could be said about Worthy in the Los Angeles Lakers’ Showtime era teams, who won four NBA titles while playing for Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley. Worthy was a No. 1 overall pick out of North Carolina by the Lakers, and was a game-changer who clearly could have been a No. 1 or No. 2 option on a less-talented team.

Playing with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, however, nearly ensured success. 

Worthy averaged 20 points per game or more in four of his 12 seasons and he had a career field goal percentage of 52 percent. Bosh averaged 20 or more in five seasons -- but all were with the Raptors. 

While in Miami, Bosh averaged about 18 points per game while shooting 53.5 percent from the field in 2012-13.

Both Worthy and Bosh were able to play highly efficient basketball, because their teammates were talented enough to warrant sharing the ball. Never did their confidence waver to the point of passing on chances to score, though. 

Can Kevin Love right the ship?

Love, it seems, has reinvented himself for the worse. He has changed himself into a spot-up shooter with mediocre defensive skills. His once rabid efforts on the boards are now pedestrian “good efforts,” and it is unclear whether Love can tap into that primal Timberwolf he once was. His entire game does seem more tame, less effective, and just a shadow of what it once was.

Love averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds per game in the 2011-12 season, but this season was a paltry 16 points and 10 rebounds per night. 

Love’s efficiency has fallen off, too; he shot just 41 percent from the field this season and 36 percent from three. Love was good for 47 percent and 41 percent, respectively, in the 2010-11 season. His numbers are dropping, but why has he failed to adjust to the lower usage? 

Does Love have to get 20 field goal attempts a game to keep his head in it? That should not be the case.

Love needs to see how much better he is while playing aggressive. It is often as though he wishes to play it safe now, rather than challenge opposing bigs — especially on defense.

Now the argument will be that Love posted hollow numbers, but that really is not the case. It is about his entire game suffering, and he needs to realize that being the No. 3 option is hardly a death sentence. By becoming more efficient and increasing his aggression, he could completely change this series. As it is, LeBron James is not getting much help.

Minnesota Love would never have allowed it.

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About the author
Brett Roberts
35 y.o. father, journalist, former NCAA forward, basketball junkie. Follow on Twitter @33Trigger