There’s a reason Cleveland Cavaliers big man Channing Frye is one of the most popular players on every team he has played for. That sentiment couldn’t be more true in Cleveland, where Frye has seemingly become a Cavs legend because of his locker room antics and lovable personality.
Frye announced a few weeks ago he’s retiring from the NBA after this season. Now, fans can count Kevin Love as one of the players who is going to miss the stretch forward the most.
Love and Frye have developed a very strong friendship in just three years. The Cavs acquired Frye from the Orlando Magic during the 2015-16 season, and he immediately made his impact felt in the locker room.
Via James Herbert of CBS Sports:
“He was just like, ‘We have the best job in the world,'” Love said. “I think people lose that perspective all the time. We get to play this game that continues to grow, this beautiful game, and the business aspect sometimes overrides being able to just go out there and play the game that you love. It was my first love. I’ve been playing basketball since I could walk. I had a ball in my hand since I could crawl. You just have to continue to remind yourself of that, and I think Channing is that constant reminder of the good things.”
Channing Frye’s stats will never jump off the page, but it’s what he’s done behind the scenes that will always resonate with Kevin Love and all the players on the 2016 championship team.