UCLA Men's Basketball: Why Bruin-Turned-All-Star Re-Signed With Current Club
Former UCLA Bruins star Kevin Love has made a very solid career for himself in the NBA. He is a multi-time All-Star and he won a championship in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Love was the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft, after spending one season with the Bruins. During his time in Westwood, Love averaged 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He quickly became a top prospect for the NBA and has made the most of his opportunity.
The 6'10" big man was a five-time All-Star and double-double machine in his prime, and the third-best player on four straight NBA Finals teams with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015-18.
The former Bruin is still in the NBA today, as he re-signed with the Miami Heat this past offseason. After being released from the Cavaliers during the season, Love quickly landed in South Beach and helped them get all the way to the NBA Finals.
He was a free agent this summer, but he always felt that he would return to Miami. Love wants to finish what he started with the Heat, and he feels comfortable with the organization. He spoke up about the reasons behind his decision to stay put, per Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.
“I also have a great relationship with the front office, with ownership, with all my teammates, coaching staff. It just felt like a good home for me and I wanted to continue that and see what was possible if I started the year out for the Miami Heat and see the impact that I could have there,” Love said.
In 21 games for the Heat during the regular season, Love averaged 7.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. His veteran presence was a major assist for the Heat during the playoffs, and it helped bring the entire team together.
“I think naturally I wish that I would have found my rhythm and found my fluidity and feel on the court faster,” Love said. “But I think my impact was both on the floor and off the floor. Just being around the locker room, whether it be pregame or postgame, at practice, I felt like I could make a major impact there in helping bring us together.
As he gets ready for his 16th NBA season, it seems like he's still capable of help the Heat in whatever way they need. At the end of the day, he wants to win, and the veteran forward is excited for the chance to compete for another title.
