Fansided

NBA Season Preview 2018-19: Every team’s biggest question

By Ben Ladner

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat in Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Miami Heat in Game Two of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kevin Love trade rumors
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 07: Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers addresses the media during practice and media availability as part of the 2018 NBA Finals on June 07, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Cleveland Cavaliers: How close to peak form can Kevin Love get?

Cleveland saw its immediate future changed more drastically than any other team this offseason, but the Cavs appear set on competing for a playoff spot in 2019 nonetheless. There is no way to replace LeBron James, or even approximate his impact on a team’s championship viability. Instead, Cleveland must alter its approach entirely, a reality it to which it committed in full by signing Kevin Love to a four-year, $120 million contract extension this summer.

Back in the role of number one option for the first time since 2014, Love has a chance to combine a modified offensive game with a star’s workload, a change that could be equally difficult for Love and for the Cavs. His entire Cleveland tenure, Love has mostly finished possessions while someone else engineered them. He’ll have to play both roles now, without the luxury of a second star off of whom he can work. There will be more room in the offense to feature Love’s passing and screening, both of which were staples of his Minnesota days. His post game has been more a last resort than a highlighted element of Cleveland’s offense, but Love ranked in the 78th percentile leaguewide on post-ups in 2018.

Love has been miscast, ignored, and heroic over four years in Cleveland. With free reign once again, we’ll finally get to see him be himself, and find out what that really looks like.

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