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The benefits of starting Kevin Love at center

By Jared Hesketh

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the second half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the second half in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are considering starting Kevin Love at the center position, instead of his normal power forward spot, and they should absolutely do so.

Last year it seemed that Kevin Love was finally becoming comfortable in Cleveland. Love returned to All-Star form averaging 19.0 points and 11.1 rebounds. Love also shot a very efficient 37.3% from three-point range.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Love has been seeing “quite a bit” of time at the center position throughout the first week of training camp. In an interview with Tyronn Lue, Lue hinted that switching Love to center could even be permanent.

When asked about what he likes about Love at the 5, Lue responded with this.

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"“Spacing opportunities, spacing the floor,” Lue said when asked what he likes about Love playing center. “Being able to play through the elbows with multiple guys.”"

In a previous interview this offseason with ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Tyronn Lue spoke of his high hopes regarding Love this upcoming season.

"“If you are on a championship-caliber team, you have to sacrifice. But this year is going to be a big opportunity for him. We’re going to play through him more. He’s going to get those elbow touches again.”"

The spacing Love will offer would be very beneficial for both newly acquired Cavaliers, Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade. Rose shot only 21.9% from three last season, with Wade shooting 31.0%. However, both Rose and Wade are proven slashers and good mid-range shooters. The spacing of Love would allow both to drive to the rim, as they prefer to do.

And yet, I still haven’t mentioned the freight train that is LeBron James who might benefit the most from the spacing of Love. While James shot a very respectful 36.3% from three, he is one of the best driving players in the league. When James gets going, he is almost unstoppable. The spacing of the floor will also allow James to showcase is incredible passing ability if he so chooses to kick the ball out to the three-point line if the lane clogs.

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There really is no negative of starting Love at center. The Cavs will be able to play through him at the elbow more often, and he will provide plenty of spacing for the abundance of slashers Cleveland now has. Featuring Kevin Love more in the offense will show just how valuable he actually is.