Grading the Cleveland Cavaliers’ bigs so far this season
By Dan Gilinsky
Examining Kevin Love’s play prior to his buyout
Kevin Love started the season off fairly well for the Cavaliers, as he connected on 40.9 percent of his three-point attempts in the seasons’ first 15 games. In that stretch, he had 11.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest.
Nonetheless, it didn’t turn out to be the same season as last year for him. Love only shot 29.5 percent from three-point range in his next 22 appearances from there, and while he was still dealing with a thumb injury played into it surely, he had been out of Cleveland’s rotation before he and the team agreed to terms on a buyout.
Love still made a difference as a floor spacer for the Cavs drivers and rolling threats when he was in there, and his defensive rebounding, ball movement feel and steadying presence did still help to some extent. That said, the production offensively and as a perimeter shooter was not there nearly enough for the Cavaliers following that start to the season, and whether it was due to the thumb issue or just not re-establishing his rhythm, he was trending way downward.
Love was an invaluable leader for young Cavs players such as Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro, and he had his share of big moments for the Wine and Gold over the years, and was the last remaining member of the 2016 title team. He ranks second in Cavaliers history in three-pointers made, sixth in total rebounds, and ninth in total points; it’s understandable that his No. 0 jersey will eventually be in the rafters at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
It’ll be intriguing to see how he does with the Miami Heat now as well, if the 34-year-old finds his way in their rotation and gets healthier. Objectively, though, Love’s pre-All-Star play this season for the Cavaliers was definitely a big step down from that last season, when he was healthy and finished as the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year.