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Cleveland Cavaliers: Why the Cavs have a chance to make the playoffs in 2018-19

By Martin Burnyeat

Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith Kevin Love (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith Kevin Love (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 08: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Make the most of Love

Kevin Love’s extension was a step in the right direction in showing Cleveland’s commitment to remain competitive. Considering the difficulties in attracting top free agents and the position of the team without Lebron, adding more years to Love’s tenure in Cleveland gives the Cavaliers a cornerstone to build around.

"“I want to be a part of the future. It does in a lot of ways feel like my team, but we’re also the sum of our parts.” – Kevin Love"

Love is currently in the prime of his career, amassing five All-Star selections, two Second-Team All-NBA selections, a Most Improved Player Award, and an NBA Championship. Statistically, while his Cleveland years were considered somewhat of a sacrifice for immediate success, his numbers in Minnesota as the first option on offense were excellent.

During his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he achieved per-game career highs in points (26.1), rebounds (15.2), and assists (4.4), and although he failed reach the playoffs, a lot can be said about the lack of talent around him.

For Love to be the first option, the Cavaliers can continue how they have a been playing him – keeping him mobile in the half-court, running him off down-screens and pick-and-pop situations. Just minor tweaks to his positioning in certain situations is all that is needed. For example, in transition, Love needs to rim-run rather than trail-out for a wing three. This creates the opportunity for an inside basket, or put-back, where Love excelled in Minnesota.

It’s expected that the increase in touches, especially in the post, will return him back to his Minnesota form that showcased his multi-dimensional offensive talent, and no doubt Love and the Cavaliers want to prove they can compete without LeBron James.

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