Cavs: Kevin Love playing in the Olympics is both a good and bad thing

Kevin Love hasn’t been healthy his whole Cavs career but will play in the Olympics.

Don’t confuse facts for feelings. Saying Kevin Love hasn’t been healthy his Cavs run isn’t an insult. It’s empirical fact. Love has only averaged 34 games per season over the last three years, twice only playing in 20+ games. He’s been accused of taking games off, sitting games out, and not putting forth his best effort by his teammates throughout his Cavs run. His reputation would be in the gutter if it wasn’t for the fact that he does in fact give back to the community. So it’s interesting that despite all of his injury issues, Love is actually “healthy” enough to play in the Olympics.

The Olympic team will feature a who’s who of NBA talent, and Love. As it stands right now, barring injury, illness, or any other talent pulling out, Team USA will be Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Bradley Beal, Khris Middleton, Zach LaVine, Bam Adebayo, Draymond Green, Jru Holiday, Jerami Grant and Love.

Kevin Love playing in the Olympics is a mixed bag.

Kevin Love isn’t some bad guy for playing for Team USA. He’s already a gold medal winner from the 2012 games, so we know Love has some pride. It’s also a great thing to see him actually able to play in the Olympics. Love has been pretty banged up and is more than a little fragile these days. His ankle and foot have kept him from playing anywhere near his talent, and if he’s feeling up to playing on this team, it must mean his leg issues are starting to, or have already been dealt with.

The problem that comes with this is the perception it causes. Love has had more than his fair share of dustups in Cleveland lately. Fans are pretty miffed that Love would be willing to play for Team USA but can’t find it in him to play for the Cavs. Rumors of Love wanting out aren’t anything new, and he’s even name-dropped Portland as a place he wants to play during his career.

So fans are, rightfully, miffed.

If Love shows up to the Olympics, goes all out, then comes back to Cleveland and has the same kind of season in 2021-2022 that he had in 2020-2021, then fans are going to be unforgiving in their criticism of Love.

Hopefully, he brings home gold, stays healthy, and plays better next season.