According to an official press release from the Cleveland Cavaliers, five-time All-Star Kevin Love has begun individual basketball activities “after undergoing a series of treatment and rehabilitation programs” in an effort to heal a right knee strain that he reaggravated against the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 27.
The 2020-21 season has been so full of headlines that the extended absence of Love—who has missed 20 of Cleveland’s 22 games this season—felt like it was swept underneath the rug. However, the Cavs’ ability to put themselves in the playoff conversation without their most decorated player is yet another reason why Love’s injury has been seldom discussed.
Led by rising star Collin Sexton and a healthy Darius Garland, the Cavs’ guard-driven attack is now complemented by an athletic frontcourt that can thrive defensively. That may not have been the case with Love, who has never been known for being light on his feet.
Nonetheless, Love’s return will be quite a boost for Cleveland, as the big man is an elite rebounder that excels at stretching the floor. In fact, not only can Love score from all three levels but he’s one of the better passers among frontcourt players as well.
Simply put, Love’s addition has far more pros than cons.
Whether Love will return to his starting role when he returns is uncertain, as Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff hasn’t commented on the matter specifically as of yet. However, Love has started every game he’s played in since 2010-11, so there’s a distinct possibility that he will re-emerge as a starter at some point during his return.
