Saturday, May 28, 2016

Whatever Happened to Kevin Love?


This season marks the first time Kevin Love gets to play in the NBA Finals in his 8 year career. He has stepped up this postseason providing outside scoring and a number of gorgeous outlet passes off rebounds. However, most NBA fans remember Love's dominance on the court in his days in Minnesota before he was traded for the first overall pick in the 2014 draft which led to Andrew Wiggins.

Kevin Love had absolute monster numbers with the T-Wolves. In his last season with them, he averaged 26.1 PPG and 12.2 RPG, he was hands down one of the superstar players of that time. He had many iconic games such as a 30/30 game! (31 points and 31 rebounds) this feat hadn't been accomplished since Moses Malone in 1982. He was a physical beast who could score in the post, shoot from the outside, and rebound very well. But why has his impact been shrouded after joining the Cavaliers?
(Video of K.Loves 30/30 game)

Many point out the fact that he is with Kyrie Irving, someone who is not a well-known passer for the point guard position, but can score at will. Others say that Kevin Love only performed well in Minnesota because he was the only star, but what sticks out to me is that he doesn't attempt that many shots anymore and is underutilized. Love can be a good post player if given the opportunity, but lately, it seems like he only stays on the perimeter and shoots.

Last year's stats for touches (Via ESPN)

With all this said, Love has still been a huge part of this year's Cavs team. Being fairly consistent and putting up some good, solid numbers. But as of now, the Cavs still don't utilize Love to his full potential and he is lacking on the defensive side of the floor. It seems like at times even backup Channing Frye is playing better than him, a volume shooter who is a decent defender. 

After this season, there have been many rumors that Love may be involved in trades. He re-signed with the Cavs last year to a 5 year $110 million deal, which seems overpaid given what he has brought to the table so far.

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