Report: Kevin Love to be Cleared, Come Off Bench

Kevin Love is expected to be cleared to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers but, in a surprise move, come off the bench.

The talk after the Cavs beat the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 was what would Tyronn Lue do with the one member of the Big 3 who missed the game. If Kevin Love was cleared from his concussion, most assumed he would return to start but questioned whether that was best for the Cavs.

Jason Lloyd just tweeted this out:

It is unlikely that this will be confirmed by Lue or the team but it is interesting that we are getting this report so quickly. Lloyd went on in his piece, after stating he would return and come off the bench,  to reemphasize that the Cavs have been concerned about Love’s defense for this series for quite some time:

"Kevin Love is expected to play Friday and it’s likely he will come off the bench in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, league sources told the Beacon Journal.The Cavs have privately been concerned for months how Love would match up defensively in a Finals rematch against the Warriors, with one team executive offering during the regular season that Love may have to become the Cavs’ version of David Lee – the high-priced, high-scoring forward who came off the bench last year to help spark the Warriors to a championship."

The comparison to Lee is a fun one. Lee was given the freedom to be an offensive weapon in spurts, which he did marvelously in the Finals last year.

Update 6-10-16: Love has been cleared:

We still don’t know for sure who will start but reports are still saying Love will come off the bench.

End Update

More from King James Gospel

• 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
• The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
• 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
• 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
• This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead

If Love is willing to come off the bench, Lue can be creative when he puts him in and allow him to feast off matchups that work best for him and the Cavs.

Richard Jefferson starting was huge for the Cavs. His versatility to guard multiple positions and allow LeBron James to guard Draymond Green was huge. His energy on both ends of the ball also paid off handsomely.

Many will start looking forward and what this might mean for the Cavs and Love but for now it seems like a positive. Love is showing he is a dedicated teammate and is willing to do what it takes while the Cavs get to keep the momentum.

We are shocked over here but if it leads to an NBA Title, it doesn’t matter what it takes.

Are you surprised that Kevin Love will return but come off the bench?