The Cavs GM David Griffin announced that their star forward Kevin Love could return to the lineup as soon as their NBA Saturday Showcase against the Clippers. Love has been out after undergoing the procedure to remove a loose body from the knee. Love's presence has been missed since he's been out, but now the Cavs getting some pieces back at the right time. LeBron Must be happy, as he is getting an all-star back, along with the recent acquisitions finding their roles in the system.
The Love effect
The Cavs have missed Kevin Love since he has been out.
The Cavs have gone 7-6 during his absence, and are now in a close race for the No. 1 seed with the Celtics and the Wizards. One of the areas the Cavs missed Love was on the glass.
Their rebounding totals per game have dropped from 44.1 to 41.8 per game since Love last played, according to ESPN Stats & Information. On the offensive glass, they have been outrebounded 12 RPG to 7.2 RPG in the 13 games love has missed. Love is a tenacious rebounder, averaging 11.1 RPG.
Love has been taking part in 3 on 3 drills during practices over the past week and took part in a light 20 minute full participation workout with the team on Wednesday. Love hasn't been cleared yet but head coach Tyronn Lue says "Whenever the medical staff clears him, he'll be ready to go" (ESPN).
There is no doubt he will be on a minutes restriction, as he is coming back only a month after the surgery. Love thinks he'll be able to come back easily, he just doesn't want to ruin the chemistry saying "I think it will be pretty easy for me to come back in, and I just don't want to mess up any of the rhythm these guys have" (ESPN).
Everything's coming together
For the Cavs as a team, everything is finally coming together. They haven't been at full strength in a long time, but now all their pieces are coming back. J.R Smith is back from his thumb injury, newly signed point guard Deron Williams is finding his role as their backup point guard as well. Kyle Korver is finding his shot, and Larry Sanders will provide great energy when the Cavs bring him up from the D-League.
LeBron hasn't commented on the news of Love returning yet, but everyone is sure he'll be happy to see his teammate back. LeBron has been carrying the load for the team, which put him in the conversation for MVP (like any other year). He has a career high ten triple doubles this year, showing once again that he can do it all. Love's return can take some of the scoring load of LeBron, as K-Love averages 20 PPG.
Love return is highly anticipated, but the Cavs will take the cautious approach. With him probably coming back a few weeks early, he will be on a minutes restriction. Also with the playoff around the corner, the Cavs can't afford to lose him again. With the Cavs at full strength, are they the favorites to win the title?
