Kevin Love’s Knees A Worry for Cavs?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had some concerns related to Kevin Love. Everyone admits that he is struggling to find his spot with teammates LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. It seems all but universal that he is struggling with back issues. But are the Cavs also worried about Love’s knees?
A small note in Jason Lloyd’s Cavs Trade column brought light to the possible concern:
"Love, of course, has a long injury history already and has been fighting back and perhaps knee problems this season."
If true, at this point Love is one high ankle sprain away from the “Lingering Injuries Trifecta.” Knees and backs are connected, yes much like “leg bone’s connected to the knee bone.” Problems with your legs can significantly impact your back and neck. (Quick Note: I know this personally as problems at a young age with my hips ended up causing two major scoliosis curves in my back and vertebrae in my neck to be turned 180 degrees.)
So the new, or new to us, report about Love’s knees could be concerning OR it could help explain his back issues. It is possible that he is only having back issues because of his knees and he, and the Cavs medical staff, are focusing on his knees instead of his back.
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Love has never been much of a jumper but even less so this season. His jump shot, which has always looked more like a set shot has even less lift on it which has impacted the arc of his shot. He has a difficult decision, does he start to adjust his shot to deal with his back and knee issues or does he try to push through without messing with a shot that has gotten him to where he is today?
For the Cavs having both knee and back issues is concerning. The team will likely invest long term in Love in the next two seasons, after investing a lot in the trade that brought him to Cleveland. Hopefully the team’s relationship with the Cleveland Clinic will help them get Love the best care and make a plan for his future.
The All Star break should be a big help for both Love’s back and knees. Hopefully he decides to not travel too much, putting more strain on his body, and instead takes his mini-vacation where it is best for his body.
If the Cavs are able to get a fully healthy Love back after the break, and figure out how to fit him into the offense a bit better, than they will be the team everyone else thought they would be staring the season: Dangerous. If Love’s back and knees continue to give him trouble than we could be in for a tough road come playoff time.
Are you worried about Kevin Love’s knees from this note in Lloyd’s column?