Kevin Love has only been active for 15 games this season. But he is having a profound impact on a young Cleveland Cavaliers roster.
Point guard Darius Garland said Love’s presence has totally changed the complexion of the offense and makes the Cavs harder to guard. Garland also said Love’s rebounding has made a big difference on the defensive end of the floor.
Oh, and Garland also labeled Love a Hall of Famer:
“They have to respect K-Love. He’s a Hall of Famer in my eyes,” Garland said, via Kelsey Russo of The Athletic. “When he sets a screen, and he’s popping, everybody is going to go to him; all the attention is on K-Love. So it opens up everything for all the guards and everyone else because he’s such a good passer as well.
“Also, he helps on the defensive end. He’s a good rebounder and always looking for outlets and long passes up the floor for easy buckets. Having him on the floor is a big deal.”
Love has not put up the most prolific numbers in his return. He is averaging 11.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per night. The assist numbers stand out, though, as Love is averaging 3.6 dimes per 36 minutes.
While he might not have monster numbers, it’s Love’s skill set that means more to the Cavs, according to Garland.
Whether Love eventually earns the nod from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame remains to be seen, but he has a good resume. Love only has five All-Star selections, but he has made a pair of All-NBA teams and almost totally changed his style in helping the Cavs to the NBA title in 2016.
For now, Love is a key piece on a Cleveland squad fighting to get into the mix for the play-in tournament.
