If I told you through the first two games of the Cleveland Cavaliers 2015-16 season that Kevin Love would only be averaging one point fewer than LeBron James, that Kevin Love would have a higher PER than LeBron and a higher points per shot, would you believe me?
Ok, granted it’s only two games but one thing is clear with the Cavaliers. LeBron has started to take a step back in his production with the team. Whether it’s his back issue or it’s his realization that he needs to acclimate his teammates more in preparation for Kyrie Irving’s return, LeBron is doing something different. And he knows it.
Following from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“We’ll use Kevin however he wants to be used,” James said after Love led Cleveland with 17 points and 13 rebounds in the Cavs’ 106-76 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. “I told you Kevin is going to be our main focus. He’s going to have a hell of a season. He’s going to get back to that All-Star status.”
“He’s the focal point of us offensively,” James said. “I know I can go out and get mine when I need it. But I need Kev to be as aggressive as he was tonight, and when he rebounds at the level he did tonight, the shots will automatically fall for him.”
In the first two games, Love has looked great. He’s averaging 17.5 points per game on 41% shooting including 35% shooting from three-point land, 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists in 32 minutes per game.
It’s scary to imagine the best player on the planet taking a step back for to make his teammates better but that’s exactly what the King is doing. It’s not just Love, Mo Williams and Richard Jefferson are also looking good in the first two games for the Cavs.
If LeBron fully steps back and plays the facilitator role that he can perfectly play, than the opportunities for the Cavs are limitless. They instantly become the most dangerous team in the NBA, when healthy.
