We have spent almost the entire offseason so far talking almost exclusively about the Cleveland Cavaliers. Whether it's LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Dan Gilbert, or some other topic, the Cavaliers have somehow found the way to make the headlines. And rightfully so, considering the way they have been dominating the Eastern Conference over the past three years. And let's not forget that the Cavaliers have also made the NBA Finals for the past three seasons.
Many believe that reaching the NBA Finals will be a tougher task for the Cavs next season since Kyrie Irving is no longer on the team.
Irving was recently traded to the Boston Celtics, but even so, the Cavaliers seem to have more than enough good players to compete for the championship next season. One of the players Cleveland will count on to perform at the highest level next season is Kevin Love.
Will we see "Timberwolves Love" again?
Kevin Love was the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, drafted originally by the Memphis Grizzlies. He never got to play for the Grizzlies since he was traded on the Draft night to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Love spent his first six seasons in the league with Minnesota and had some really outstanding seasons. His best year with the Timberwolves was during the 2013/2014 campaign when he averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
In 2014, he was traded to the Cavaliers in exchange for Andrew Wiggins and in 2016 Love helped the Cavaliers win their first ever NBA championship.
But even though his numbers have been pretty solid with the Cavaliers, he has often been criticized over the past three years. The Cavaliers are hoping that now with Kyrie Irving gone, Kevin Love will post Timberwolves-like numbers next season.
In fact, the Cavaliers seem to be re-designing their offense in order to get the best out of Love next season.
Tyronn Lue believes Love will deliver next season
ESPN's Zach Lowe wrote this in his recent report: "They (the Cavaliers) are confident Minnesota Love still exists, and they are re-designing their offense and potentially their rotation, featuring more of Love at center - to unleash him again.” Could we see Kevin Love playing at the center position next season?
It looks like it might happen, and Cavs coach Tyronn Lue certainly believes Love will make the most out of it.
“Kevin is going to have the best year that he’s had here. 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,” said Lue recently. Last season was the best in Cleveland Cavaliers uniform for the 29-year-old Love as he averaged 19.0 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
