Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 goals for Kevin Love in 2017-18
By Simon Smith
1. Average at least eight 3-point attempts per game
While Love is likely to find himself down low more regularly, this shouldn’t diminish his frequency from long range.
In fact, it should assist given the players likely to him. Whereas playing at the 4-spot saw him more often than not matched against high-caliber athletes, Love should be able to use the center spot to his advantage by dragging out his taller, slower opponents.
Last season, Love averaged 6.5 3-point attempts per game, his highest rate since 2013-14 when he attempted 6.6 per game. Converting at a 37.3 percent rate, Love attempted the second 3-pointers most from the 4-spot, behind only Ryan Anderson of the Houston Rockets.
But one thing recent seasons has shown is the Cavaliers’ success rate in the regular season when Love is aggressive from long range. Last season, the Cavaliers posted a 13-5 record when Love attempted eight or more 3-pointers. The previous season, the Cavaliers posted a 13-3 record when Love attempted eight or more 3-pointers.
Furthermore, and at least for the early part of the season, the Cavaliers’ starting lineup will feature far less spacing than in recent years. With a new starting backcourt of Derrick Rose and Dwayne Rose, it will be strictly left to the frontcourt in such lineups to shoot from long distance.
Considering Rose and Wade’s proficiency in driving to the hole, having Love step out to not only open up the driving lanes, but to fire away from long range, could be a great result for the Cavs.
Here’s an example from this preseason where Love was able to step back against his opposing center, knowing he’s uncomfortable away from the basket, and drill the 3-pointer:
It's breakout season for Kevin Love. Am I overhyping him already? https://t.co/hPD9jb7fvD
— King James Gospel (@KJG_NBA) October 4, 2017
This is one of a number of examples that will occur throughout the season. It was in fact an opposing guard, and not the center, who came out to challenge Love from long range.
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Once he develops a chemistry with his new teammates, this could be money for Love and the Cavaliers.