Cleveland Cavaliers: Grading The Offseason
Love DOES Cost A Thing
Re-signing LeBron James was the most crucial move of the summer, but everyone knew it was going to happen. What wasn’t 100 percent clear was what would become of free agent Kevin Love, who opted out of the final year of his contract, Fortunately, and not surprisingly for those who had been listening to what Love had been saying for months, he chose to remain in Cleveland.
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Coming off a shoulder injury, Love has a lot to prove in 2015-16. For one thing, he’ll be hoping to stay healthy and play more than four playoff games this time around.
For another, he’ll be looking to prove he’s worth the five-year, $110 million contract he earned from the Cavs, especially after his stat line dipped to 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season — the lowest numbers since his second year in the league, when he only started in 22 games.
Some people aren’t as high on Love these days, especially since he’s been relegated to being a third option. The season-ending injury probably didn’t help there, since Tristan Thompson was able to step up and prove his worth. But the Cavs are not a better team with Thompson starting at the 4, and re-signing a versatile big who can spread the defense like Love ensures this team is among the favorites to win a title next season.
Grade: A
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