Kevin Love’s Impact on the Cavs
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, right?
With the Cleveland Cavaliers’ success as of late, fans have been excited for the future of this young team. Also, they have been vocal concerning their ideas for the team moving forward.
We’ve heard dozens of trade scenarios, free agent signing ideas and buy-out market bargain-basement selections fans feel the team should explore. Some of which have involved Cavs veteran forward Kevin Love.
If you remember in 2014, Kevin was brought over from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade. It included the first pick in the 2014 NBA draft, Andrew Wiggins and forward Anthony Bennett, a 2013 #1 draft pick. In addition, the Wolves received forward Thaddeus Young and a trade exception worth $6.3 million. The Philadelphia 76ers were a part of the trade as well.
For four years prior, while LeBron James was in South Beach winning “not one, BUT two” Championships, the Cavs fans had to endure words such as “patience,” potential,” and “process.”
The Cavs were hanging their hats on Kyrie Irving, an all-world talent, Dion Waiters, who could get hot and shoot lights out, and Tristan Thompson, who was a beast down low bring in double-doubles. However, it simply wasn’t enough. The team was just not winning.
However, with LeBron committing to make a Cleveland return, the team had to get into “win now” mode and traded for Love.
But even after winning a championship in Cleveland, Kyrie asked to leave and LeBron left the franchise a second time. Therefore, many felt Love would go and chase more rings himself.
On the contrary, Kevin decided he wanted to stay in Cleveland as the team rebuilt. He is a very accomplished player and many forget that. He’s an NBA Champion, a five-time All-Star, Olympic gold medalist and has made the All-NBA team twice. Furthermore, Kevin is a three-point champion and rebounding leader.
He has accomplished great success in this league and has much advice and wisdom to offer young up-and-coming players. Love has been to the mountain top with the Cavaliers and is committed to helping the young guns climb that mountain too.
Love has remained professional and stays ready when called upon. Recently he has accomplished something in his career only three others have in NBA history. He has scored 14,000 points pulled down over 8000 rebounds in his career while sinking 1400 three-pointers. Only LeBron, Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd have accomplished this feat.
Love is committed to his role as a sixth man and has set an excellent example for his young teammates.
This season, the Cavs are 35-23 in the win-loss column and 4th place in the eastern conference. This is the first season the Cavs have had a winning record this late into the season since the “King James” era. Having a dependable 6th man like Kevin has made a difference. Kevin is contributing 14.3 points 7.3 rebounds on 39% shooting from the three. He has done this by playing just 22 minutes per game.
Kevin was once quoted as saying, “I love where I live, I’ve embraced you guys, I’ve embraced the city and the fans.” He has undoubtedly impacted the Cavs culture post-LeBron. Though it doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet, he is a big part of the team’s current chemistry and overall success. Thank you, Kevin Love!
Photo courtesy of Bally Sports Ohio.
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