Since Kevin Love arrived in Cleveland from Minnesota, he has had to adjust to life with LeBron James. Sure, the championship and the trips to the NBA finals are exceptional perks. But that level of success comes with sacrifice.
Sacrifice is a term Love knows all too well. The four-time All Star was the focal point of the offense with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Cleveland, Love had to take a step back regarding his role with the team with the existence of James and Kyrie Irving.
According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue has big plans for Love sans Irving.
“Kevin is going to have the best year that he’s had here,” Lue told ESPN.com this week. “I thought he was great anyway. You keep bringing up Bosh. What did Bosh average in Miami? Kevin averaged almost 20 [points] and 10 [rebounds] with two other All-Stars. 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.”
If coach Lue is predicting a reemergence of Love next season, the onus is on the coaching staff. James is the unquestionable best player on the court, but having Love as a second option is hardly the worst thing.
Love averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds and shot 36% from three last year for Cleveland. His offensive repertoire stretches far beyond shooting three-pointers from the corner. The 29-year-old is one of the leagues very best at operating in the pick-and-roll, and his passing often goes overlooked.
With Irving now in Boston, Love’s value to Cleveland should have increased significantly. The Cavs traded for Isaiah Thomas last month, but Thomas’ hip may render him unable to go. That could incentivize the team to keep Love around to help keep points on the board.
