Cleveland Cavaliers: Kevin Love Should Be An All Star

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love was not named a starter for the NBA All Star Game, but he could be named as a reserve player. His statistics show that he is worthy of a selection.

Currently, the only member of the Cleveland Cavaliers who is going to be in the all-star game is forward LeBron James. For a team who has the best record in their conference, at least two players should be selected.

Point guard Kyrie Irving has been solid since coming back from surgery this season, but Kevin Love has done just as well, maybe even better. This season Love is averaging 15.7 points, 8.6 defensive rebounds, and 11 total rebounds. Those are very good stats for a second and sometimes third option.

Putting Love’s stats into context: his 8.6 defensive rebounds/game is fourth in the NBA and the 11 total rebounds/game is sixth. Love is averaging more in both categories than multiple players, who either are or should be all-stars, including Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant and Golden State power forward Draymond Green. Among the people who believes Love should be an all-star this season includes Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt.

For what Love has been able to contribute has been great. It would be nice to see his points/game average increase to at least 18, but taking 16 is fine. His game warrants the frustration fans express at times, but it is not all on him. The blame should be more on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It has been a season and a half and the team still cannot effectively and consistently place Love in a position to succeed, while letting him play to his strengths. Just imagine the Cavaliers adjusting to how Love has excelled in the past. Should that happen, his averages, including points would likely increase.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have placed Love in a situation, similar to the one Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh was in when he played with James. That is playing out on the wing more than he should, while being a spot up three-point shooter.

Cleveland is trying to make as much room for James to operate, which is smart. However, Love can put up great numbers playing down in the post and popping outside for three pointers and jump shots when appropriate. Love has been getting the ball down low a bit more recently, but for whatever reason he is not allowing his game to take over.

Should the Cleveland Cavaliers actually do what is best for the team and adjust, so they can use Love more properly, increased level of play and success should occur. If the Cavaliers continue to keep Love in his present role going into the playoffs, they will not be able to play as well as they are capable of.

In the meantime, Love’s play has shown the rest of the NBA that he deserves to be an all-star.

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As we wait to see if Love is selected, hopefully Cleveland realizes that they can do a lot more with him and it is up to their coaching staff to make that happen.

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