What's Going On With Kevin Love?
There’s been a bit of mystery surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers and their veteran power forward Kevin Love.
Love hasn't played since a January 24th loss to the New York Knicks in which he played 12 minutes, took one shot and scored zero points.
Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has opted not to utilize Love in his rotation, instead going with Dean Wade. Wade's ability to knock down perimeter shots, rebound and perhaps most importantly at this stage of the game, his youth currently fits better into the Cavs plans.
Wade is connecting on 39% of his triples this season, while Love is shooting at a 35% clip.
Entering last season, Love was asked to take a lesser role coming off the bench in lieu of the Cavs' youth movement and he largely bought in. He recommitted himself to defense and nearly led the league in charges drawn.
This season, Love still remains near the top of the league in that category but he hardly looks to be the same shooting threat.
Love fractured his thumb on his shooting hand back on November 18th in a double-overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets. He missed a handful of games with the injury and an illness, but has largely tried to play through it.
That is, until Bickerstaff's recent rotation decision.
Earlier this week, president of basketball operations Koby Altman said the plan would be to eventually re-integrate Love into the rotation. Bickerstaff confirmed as much before tipoff against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
"We know at some point in time during the season, everybody is going to be an important piece of what we're doing. I think we've seen that from the beginning of the season until now," Bickerstaff said. "We still believe that he (Kevin) is capable of helping us in big moments, because he has that experience and has been through those pressures."
Love is in the final year of a contract that pays him $28 million annually, and prior to the trade deadline was subject to the usual rumor mill of buyouts and trade fodder. The Cavs' ultimately stood pat at the deadline, opting to keep Love in the fold and not bring on any additional pieces to their puzzle via the trade market.
The Cavaliers are riding a six-game win streak as they play their final two games heading into the All-Star break. It's fair to wonder what Love's role would be amid the team's current success, but the long layoff should theoretically give him enough time to shake off any lingering affects of an injury.
Whether or not that ends in him earning his spot back in the rotation?
"It's not something (playing Kevin) that we want to completely go away from and not give him (Love) opportunities to play and catch a rhythm, because I do think there's going to be times when we really need him," Bickerstaff said.
--------
You may also like:
REPORT: Cavs And Danny Green Nearing Deal
Traveled, Tired And Determined Cavaliers Win Sixth Straight
The Cavs Haven't Done This Since The Middle Of December
Dylan Windler Injury Update, Getting Closer To Action
Cleveland Finding Success In The Paint During Winning Streak
Beat Down On The Bayou: Cavs Roll To Fifth-Straight Win
-----
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more coverage of the Cavaliers!
Follow our comprehensive Cavs coverage through Sports Illustrated's FanNation network here:
Website: www.cavsinsider.com
Twitter: @CavsInsider_FN
