Current Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Kevin Love may be experiencing an identity crisis now.
Before being traded to the Cavs in 2014, Love was an up and coming star for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After being drafted with the 5th overall pick in 2008, he spent six seasons with the Wolves where he averaged an astounding 19.2 points per game, 12.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers per game on 45% field goal shooting.
At that time, he was known around the league as a monster on the glass, evidenced by his multiple 20-20 games (and even a 30-30 performance), shots around the basket, and gradually improving three-point shot. He even led the league in rebounding during the 2010-2011 season with a career-high 15.2 boards per game average. His growth would not go unnoticed, as he would be awarded the 2011 Most Improved Player and voted to numerous All-Star games and All-NBA teams.
Still, Love’s resume would always have a glaring hole because he could never lead Minnesota into the postseason, constantly falling short during his tenure there. This would cause him to grow increasingly frustrated and question whether he still had a future with that franchise.
Kevin Love didn’t have to ponder on this for much longer, though, as the disgruntled star was shipped off to Ohio via a six-player blockbuster trade. He would be joining LeBron James and Kyrie Irving as the Cavs’ potential third star and final piece to their super team.
Fans from Cleveland were ecstatic at that time because they were acquiring arguably the best power forward in the league and a nightly double-double threat that could also space the floor with his solid perimeter shot.
Unfortunately, he has never fully lived up to his true potential as the third option on a stacked team. Although he did post similar averages of 17.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.2 threes per game, he was only able to shoot 43% from the field with the Wine and Gold.
Also, unlike his days as a member of the Wolves, he had trouble finding his rhythm and taking over a game with his famous ferocity and craftiness. There were numerous occasions when the team needed him to step up, but he looked lost and unmotivated.
This isn’t to say that his time with Cleveland was all bad. Admittedly, he had some moments when the Kevin Love of old would make its presence felt, only to disappear again after a few games. Many people have grown tired of this charade and feel that trading him now would be in everyone’s best interest. I, for one, believe that the All-NBA version is still somewhere inside that player. All he really needs is an opportunity to come out.
Thankfully, after the dust has settled on a largely eventful off-season for the Cavaliers, that is exactly what he got – a second chance.
After The King left for the greener pastures of Hollywood and Irving was traded away the season before, Love now finds himself as the focal point on offense and the unquestioned number one option. Now, younger players – in Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Cedi Osman, Larry Nance Jr., and Ante Zizic – will look to him for veteran leadership and guidance through this uncertain season.
He’ll be the ringleader of a ragtag group of individuals, just as he was in Minnesota a handful of years ago, and look to shed some light on an organization currently experiencing a lot of darkness.
The old Kevin Love didn’t really disappear; he just chose to take a back seat all these years. After all, why would he – all the pressure was seemingly placed on the shoulders of his fellow stars and not him. He never needed to showcase his best because that was never asked of him. All he really needed to do was grab a few boards, make a couple of threes, and run down the court.
But now, things have changed significantly. These bright lights and criticism have suddenly shifted their attention to him. Right now, you can expect a newer version of the KLove before to step up, rise beyond the challenges, and prove all these doubters wrong.
The superstar formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves is back and better than ever.
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