#2: Would you have wanted to see Love play for Team USA, or was him passing the right approach?
Casey:
I think it was smart of Love to pass. His focus appears all on the upcoming season, which is where it should be fully.
Marling:
Love should’ve played for Team USA. A lot of times, higher-end NBA players will skip some Team USA tournaments that aren’t the Olympics, so they can get some rest.
But Love only played in 22 games last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers (per Basketball Reference), due to reported injury. It would have also been nice for Love to get some notoriety as he is a little underappreciated now.
He would’ve been one of the bigger names on the roster.
Friedman:
Passing on Team USA was the right move for Love. He has struggled with injuries in the past, including last season.
He looks to be in terrific shape for the upcoming season, though, and his focus seems to be more on getting ready for the NBA season, which is the right move.
DiPaola:
Well, this answer will sound similar to the first question, but Love passing on playing for Team USA is fine by me. Kevin’s injury history is quite known, and while it is an honor to play for Team USA, Love likely would rather be good to go for the start of the 2019-20 season.
An injury to Love before the season starts would derail the Cavs again, and also would take the option of trading him off the table.