Cleveland Cavaliers: Remember, Kevin Love is injury prone

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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 29: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers leaves the court after a 105-101 win in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Indiana Pacers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 29, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Even in the worst-case scenario, the 2018-19 Cavs likely have better tools to stay afloat in the Eastern conference than before. They have a much better collection of promising talent and are generally healthier.

But to truly remain competitive, the Cavs will need Kevin Love to play more than 70 games. And they will need Love to look like a version of his Timberwolves self in these games if they want to dream of anything higher than a seven- or eight-seed.

Love is not the same player he was back in Minnesota. Since then, has suffered many injuries to body parts that are important to his style of play.

His hand fractures could diminish his touch in the post. His recent knee surgery could begin to slow him down and ruin some of the lift on his jump shot. And for a player who makes much of his money battling in crowds for rebounds, he may suffer another concussion—another head injury could make him less aggressive inside.

The bottom line: Kevin Love is a great player who could certainly live up to his new extension by keeping the team in positions to win. But to do this, he will need to be on the court in top shape. While we should be wondering what a Love-Sexton pick-and-roll will look like, we may be running when we should be walking.

Can we expect Love, as a new first-option, to remain healthy throughout the season and not see any decline following his several injuries and surgeries?

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Only time will tell. The answer will be the difference between a season that’s enjoyed, and one that’s endured.