Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports
If the hearts of The Cleveland Cavaliers fans weren’t ripped out already after Kevin Love’s injury Sunday then this should do it.
According to ESPN.com Kevin Love underwent shoulder surgery in New York City today, and requires about 4-6 months of rehab until cleared to resume basketball activities. If you don’t recall the play here it is.
Cleveland will now face an uphill battle without Love who was performing well in his first career playoff series which he provided not only scoring, but taking charges and playing solid defense.
Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin remained cautiously optimistic Love might be able to return this season, but knew it was unlikely.
Love played in 75 games in his first year as a Cavalier, and he has a choice to make whether to opt in to his contract for another season or to test the free agent market. With the choice to have surgery it’s fairly obvious financially Love would opt in for one more season in Cleveland.
With all the drama circulating around the Cavaliers whether it was questions of Love opting out or friendships within the locker room he performed well with 16 points and 9 rebounds a game. Where does Cleveland turn to help pick up the scoring load with Love out?
We will certainly see LeBron at the Power Forward position and that should lead the way for Shawn Marion to get the start at Small Forward, but Kyrie and LeBron will have to pick up the scoring load for the rest of the post season.
With Love out Cleveland will rely on the veterans brought in during the off season Shawn Marion, James Jones, and Mike Miller they have experience in these games and can come up big in crucial moments. Can they fill the void that Love will leave though?
With Chicago or Milwaukee next round either way Cleveland will have their hands full the rest of the way.
