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2015 NBA Playoffs: Players Under the Most Pressure

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) saves a ball from going out of bounds during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots beside Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) in the second quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) shoots beside Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) in the second quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: Power Forward

Age: 26

Experience: 7th Season

Slash Line: .434/.367/.804

Season Averages: 33.8 MPG, 16.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.9 3PM

One of the most polarizing players in the NBA is Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love. He’s been a fantasy basketball hero in recent seasons, but his individual production hasn’t translated to team success.

In 2015, making his first postseason appearance, Love has two forms of mountainous pressure resting upon his shoulders.

For starters, Love must show that he can not only reach the playoffs, but excel once he gets there. He’s produced relatively well thus far, but is a combined 8-of-22 from the field in two appearances.

Love performed better than his shooting percentages may show, but offensive inefficiency has plagued him.

The second task is establishing his market value at the highest point possible. He didn’t do much of that during the regular season, which some have chalked up to his change of role.

Love, a power forward, has shot below 46 percent from the field in six of his seven NBA seasons. That includes 2014-15, when he shot a dreadful 43.4 percent.

The general consensus has been that, with the proper role and surroundings, Love can turn his all-world production into something substantial. He has career averages of 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds, and is widely regarded as a dynamic scorer.

With unrestricted free agency looming, Love must provide more than just hype and empty numbers in the 2015 NBA Playoffs.

Next: A Blemish on an All-Time Resume